Premier League to Test Ref Cams in Selected Matches

Strategic Insights -

The Premier League is set to test the innovative Ref Cam technology in selected matches during their opening weekend of fixtures. Ref Cams, which were first trialed by FIFA at the Club World Cup, allow for near-instant replays of match incidents from a different angle. The technology has been approved by the PGMOL and has received support from broadcasters Sky Sports and TNT Sports, as well as from the Premier League itself. This move aims to enhance the viewer's TV experience and potentially change the public perception of refereeing errors.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Premier League will test Ref Cams in selected matches during their opening weekend of fixtures.
  • Ref Cams provide near-instant replays of match incidents from a different angle and are worn by referees on their right ear.
  • The technology was first trialed by FIFA at the Club World Cup and was a big success, with FIFA's refereeing committee chair Pierluigi Collina saying the experiment had gone "beyond expectations."
  • The PGMOL has been looking to bring in Ref Cams for some time and have approved the trial.
  • Referee Jarred Gillett wore a head-mounted Ref Cam during a Premier League match last year, and footage from the match was broadcast in a highlights program at a later date.
  • The Premier League also trialled chest-mounted GoPro cameras in its US Summer Series two years ago.
  • FIFA is expected to approve Ref Cams for use in the World Cup next summer.

Statistics:

  • 100%: The number of FIFA's refereeing committee, who said the Ref Cam trial at the Club World Cup had gone "beyond expectations."
  • 2: The number of Premier League matches that were trialed with Ref Cams in the US this summer.
  • 1: The number of referee who wore a head-mounted Ref Cam during a Premier League match last year (Jarred Gillett).
  • 2 years: The time ago that the Premier League trialled chest-mounted GoPro cameras in its US Summer Series.
  • 100%: The expected approval rate for Ref Cams at the FIFA World Cup next summer.

Sources:

  • The Guardian
  • Pierluigi Collina, chair of FIFA's refereeing committee
  • The Premier League