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There’s been growing interest around the concept of referees wearing body-mounted cameras—Ref Cams—and whether Premier League officials are now using them. Here's where things stand based on the latest developments.

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Current Status of Ref Cams in the Premier League

As of mid-2025, Premier League referees are not yet consistently wearing bodycams during matches. However, significant trials and plans are in motion, and the trajectory toward adoption is clear.

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Trials and Approvals for Ref Cam Use

The use of Refereree-mounted cameras first caught attention during the FIFA Club World Cup in mid-2025, where footage from referees’ perspectives was used for broadcast and coaching purposes. These trials received favorable feedback from FIFA’s referees committee chair, Pierluigi Collina, who noted their value in improving viewing experience and match analysis.

Following that, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) officially approved extending those trials into domestic competitions—including the Premier League.

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Planned Implementation and Early Testing

The Premier League and its broadcast partners, Sky Sports and TNT Sports, are preparing to trial Ref Cams during select fixtures in the 2025–26 season, with preview tests possibly starting in the summer.

In 2024’s summer series in the U.S., referees like Jarred Gillett wore a head-mounted camera during a match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United. Though footage wasn’t broadcast live, it provided material for promotional highlights.

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What It Means for Broadcasts and Beyond

When used, Ref Cams won’t simply be replay fodder. They’re positioned to offer immersive first-person perspectives of on-field decision-making. Broadcasters see them as a way to deepen viewer understanding of officiating pressure and dynamics.

Technically, these cameras are compact and worn near the ear, with wireless setups that broadcast footage to match producers in real time. PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) and other stakeholders see potential beyond TV, like training and referee protection.

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Remaining Hurdles and Uncertainties

Several considerable questions remain before Ref Cams become mainstream in the Premier League:

Club buy-in: Implementation depends on club approval; usage may remain limited to a few fixtures per round.
Viewer feedback: Early trials at Club World Cup were generally well-received, but feedback from trials like Newcastle vs. Liverpool included complaints of motion sickness due to shaky footage.‍
Technical integration: Ref Cams must mesh with existing VAR, broadcast, and replay systems without disrupting officiating.
Policy decisions: Laws of the game and broadcast regulations will need to support or restrict their use accordingly.

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Bottom Line

Ref Cams are on the way—but not yet a full-time fixture in Premier League matches. Approved by IFAB, trialed in pre-season and global tournaments, and supported by broadcasters, the technology is poised for limited rollout in the 2025–26 season. Crucial questions around logistics, viewer comfort, and league approval remain open, but the infrastructure for adoption is clearly building.

Let me know if you'd like a follow-up article comparing Ref Cams to existing tools like VAR—could be a natural next step for context.

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