The Premier League is set to trial referee cameras, known as Ref Cams, in selected matches during the opening weekend of the new season. The move has been approved by clubs and broadcasters Sky Sports and TNT Sports, with a view to making the technology a permanent feature of live television coverage.
The trial is expected to last six weeks, after which players, clubs and broadcasters will provide feedback. A decision on permanent adoption is anticipated by the end of next month. During the trial, no audio will accompany the Ref Cam replays, though this could be introduced later if clubs agree.
The technology involves referees wearing a small camera on their right ear, connected to a microphone and transmitter. The footage provides near-instant replays from a unique angle, enriching the viewer's experience. Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) has been exploring such innovations for some time, with a previous trial involving a head-mounted camera last year.
FIFA trialled Ref Cams at the Club World Cup in the US this summer, with Pierluigi Collina, chair of its refereeing committee, describing the experiment as having gone "beyond expectations". The International Football Association Board then gave approval for the trial to be extended to domestic competitions. The Premier League also tested the equipment during its pre-season Summer Series in the US.
PGMO chief Howard Webb has also addressed the abuse faced by match officials, calling it "wholly unacceptable". He said that disagreement with an outcome does not justify threats to officials and their families. Webb also suggested that the video assistant referee system could be expanded to include yellow cards and corners, though he acknowledged potential complications.
