What is Premier League ref cam?
- Published
The Premier League will test out a referee camera in selected matches for the new season.
It is set to be trialled over the next six to eight weeks with the idea to make the technology a permanent feature for the rest of the season. It is unlikely to be in place for the first match of the season.
Referees will wear cameras on their shirts during matches and have an ear-piece and microphone attached.
The idea of 'ref cam' is to offer TV viewers a unique view of football action, but no controversial incidents will be shown.
'Ref cam' will not offer live footage but will be used in replays of match incidents from a different perspective.
However, the Premier League's intention is to tread carefully during the opening stages of the season.
It was trialled during the Premier League's Summer Series event in the US.
Jarred Gillett became the first referee to wear a bodycam during a Premier League game in Crystal Palace's 4-0 win over Manchester United in May 2024.
This was permitted as a 'one-off' to capture footage for a programme promoting match officials.
Fifa allowed the use of cameras on a referee to be used at the Club World Cup.
Following its success at the tournament, the International Football Association Board (Ifab) approved the extension of the trial to domestic and international competitions worldwide.
This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.
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