London – July 31, 2025
The Premier League is preparing to trial the use of referee body cameras as early as this weekend, as part of a wider push to improve transparency and accountability in officiating. The move, which is still subject to final approval, would require the agreement of at least two-thirds of the league’s 20 clubs.
Discussions around the use of body cameras in football have intensified in recent months, driven by growing concerns over the treatment of referees, increased scrutiny of decision-making, and a desire to enhance fan understanding of controversial calls. If approved, the cameras would be worn by referees during select pre-season matches and evaluated for effectiveness before full implementation.
According to sources familiar with the proposal, footage from the cameras could potentially be used to review on-pitch incidents, support disciplinary proceedings, or be included in post-match broadcasts to provide additional insight into interactions between players and officials.
The Premier League is expected to issue further guidance after the upcoming club meeting, where a vote will determine whether the technology will be introduced in time for the 2025/26 season kickoff.
While the concept has raised privacy and operational concerns in the past, growing support from refereeing bodies and advancements in camera technology have made the proposal more viable. Other sports such as rugby and cricket have successfully integrated similar systems to positive effect.
If the measure is passed, the Premier League would become the highest-profile football competition in the world to use body cameras on referees during competitive matches.
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