Premier League to introduce ref-cam THIS SEASON after lawmakers give new feature the green light
The eye-level cameras, allowing TV viewers to see goals and other incidents from the referee's perspective, were a massive hit during the Fifa Club World Cup won by Chelsea.
Now the International FA Board, which sets the laws of the game, has 'approved the extension of the trial to both domestic and international competitions worldwide'.
And Prem bosses plan to ask clubs to agree to sign up to the technology, potentially for the first weekend of the new season.
Ifab had been awaiting feedback from Fifa before deciding whether to approve wider use of the cameras, in case any negative issues had been thrown up.
Instead, Fifa refs' head Pierluigi Collina hailed the impact as being 'beyond our expectations', adding: 'We were asked: 'Why not in all the matches?' and even more: 'Why not in all sports?''
That made the Ifab decision a simple one. The Zurich-based body said: 'Other competitions have the option to test such systems and provide valuable information and feedback.
'Competitions wishing to participate in the trial must seek permission from The Ifab and Fifa, who will support participants by providing detailed recommendations and technical specifications to ensure smooth implementation.'
And that opens the way to the Premier League applying to conduct a league-wide test across the season after two previous trials.
Referee Rob Jones was the first to be wired for pictures, when he took charge of the July 2023 game between Chelsea and Brighton in Philadelphia, which was part of the Prem's Summer Series pre-season tournament.
In May 2024, Jarred Gillett also donned the special camera as Crystal Palace slammed Manchester United 4-0 at Selhurst Park.
Unlike during the Club World Cup, none of the images from Gillett's camera were broadcast at the time although Prem bosses released some footage just four days later before a 25-minute show was produced in December.
Prem bosses are keen on any developments that enhance the match-day experience for fans, both at home and inside stadiums.
A further test could now be held in the final round of this year's Summer Series in Atlanta on Sunday, when Bournemouth play West Ham and United face Everton.
Prem club bosses will still have to agree how often the ref-cam should be used - which may be at only one or two matches in each fixtures round.
But it is not expected that the idea will be a difficult one to sell and it means TV viewers are set to benefit within weeks.
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