Ref Cams, VAR upgrades to debut at FIFA Club World Cup 2025

A long exposure shows FIFA's logo near its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland February 27, 2022. (Reuters)

By Erick Kariuki
Thursday, June 12, 2025

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States promises a new era for football fans, with FIFA set to roll out groundbreaking technology aimed at enhancing transparency and the viewing experience. From referee body cams and real-time VAR footage in stadiums to improved offside detection and digital substitution tablets, the tournament will serve as a testing ground for innovations shaping the future of the game.

Football fans are in for a treat at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the United States, where a series of game-changing innovations will debut, aimed at improving the viewing experience and transparency of officiating.

Among the key features is the introduction of referee body cameras, dubbed “Ref Cams” which will offer a never-before-seen perspective from the officials' point of view during live broadcasts.

According to FIFA Media, the small camera will be discreetly attached to the referee’s earpiece and will stream live video and audio via a private 5G network to the match production team.

However, officials have clarified that this footage will not be used to show controversial moments such as penalty decisions, at least not yet. The purpose, as noted by FIFA Referees Committee Chairman Pierluigi Collina, is to give fans a “new experience” rather than to analyze contentious calls. “Let’s do things step by step,” Collina said, signaling FIFA’s cautious approach to the use of this new technology.

The IFAB (International Football Association Board) has approved the trial, and FIFA Media confirmed that footage from the Ref Cam will be used by tournament broadcaster DAZN to enhance match coverage.

Fans watching from home and those in the stadiums will now get even closer to the action, including unique angles of goals, saves, and pre-match moments like the coin toss.

Further innovations include improved VAR transparency. In a move to reduce confusion, fans inside stadiums will now see the same video footage the referee reviews during on-field decisions, shown live on giant screens. This will be followed by an in-stadium audio announcement explaining the final decision, enhancing clarity for spectators.

Another major feature will be the enhanced semi-automated offside technology, combining 16 cameras, AI, and ball sensors to deliver faster and more accurate offside calls. When an offside player touches the ball, the system will alert the assistant referee instantly via audio signal. The technology is expected to minimize unnecessary continuation of play after obvious offsides, reducing the need for lengthy VAR checks.

Additionally, goalkeepers will now have eight seconds, up from six to release the ball after handling it. If they exceed the time limit, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick instead of an indirect free kick. Referees will count down the last five seconds visibly to signal a warning.

Teams will also use digital substitution tablets, replacing paperwork with a streamlined process to manage player changes more efficiently.

“These innovations demonstrate FIFA’s commitment to using technology and improving the overall football experience, with a particular emphasis on enhancing the transparency and understanding of refereeing decisions,” said Collina, as quoted by FIFA Media.

He also highlighted the significance of the moment for officials: “For all 117 match officials selected for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, being part of this first-ever edition is something very exciting - they will be part of football history.”

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström echoed these sentiments, stating that “FIFA has a proud history of breaking new ground at its elite tournaments, and the FIFA Club World Cup will continue that trend,” as reported by FIFA Media.

“These enhancements will enable a better experience for fans, a smoother operation, and an optimized set-up for refereeing decisions.”

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will not only showcase the world’s top club teams but also serve as a live testing ground for the future of football technology. All matches will be live-streamed for free via DAZN.com, ensuring fans around the globe can witness the evolution of the beautiful game.