With the 2025 Club World Cup approaching this Saturday, FIFA is rolling out new regulations, particularly concerning the role of referees during matches. One of the standout changes includes the integration of body cameras that referees will wear, enabling fans to get a first-person perspective of the match through broadcast technology. According to Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s head of officiating, the footage will provide valuable insights without the need for additional VAR checks since the cameras won’t reveal anything beyond the referee’s direct line of sight.

“We have said that we want to, let’s say, offer a new experience to TV viewers. We want to show something, let’s say, entertaining. I don’t think that we always need to think of the controversial or potentially controversial incidents on the field of play.” - Pierluigi Collina

This trial also introduces an eight-second rule for goalkeepers: holding the ball for longer will result in a corner kick for the opposing team. Additionally, a nuanced approach to penalty kicks will see punishments being levied based on whether a double touch during the kick was intentional or accidental, aiming to improve the pace and fairness of the game.

Other notable changes include:

• Advanced semi-automated offside tracking: Utilizing 16 cameras per stadium and ball sensors to streamline offside reviews.
• A review process for footage showcased in stadiums during VAR checks to enhance transparency.

These adjustments are part of an effort to modernize the game and elevate spectator engagement.