Referee Body Cameras Now Permitted
Competitions can now allow referees to wear body cameras during matches. This is the first time wearable camera technology has been officially permitted for match officials.
No provision for referee body cameras in the Laws of the Game.
Competitions may permit referees and match officials to wear body cameras. Usage governed by competition rules.
What changed
IFAB has added an explicit provision allowing competitions to permit referees and other match officials to wear body cameras. Previously there was no provision for this in the Laws. The footage can be used for referee education and review purposes.
Why it matters for the World Cup
At the World Cup 2026 you may see referees wearing small cameras. The footage gives an unprecedented first-person view of refereeing decisions and will be used for training and potentially for public communication of decisions. It does not replace VAR but adds another layer of transparency.
Scenarios
Referee wearing a visible camera device
A referee is seen wearing a small camera on their chest or head during a World Cup match.