Collina praises ref-cam, new rules after successful Club World Cup trial

FIFA Referees Committee chairman Pierluigi Collina [FIFA]

FIFA Referees Committee chairman Pierluigi Collina has hailed the trio of refereeing innovations debuted at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, declaring that body-worn cameras, an eight-second goalkeeper rule and an upgraded semi-automated offside system “went beyond our expectations.”

Speaking to FIFA, the celebrated former Italian referee said feedback on the so-called ref-cam was overwhelmingly positive.

“We thought it would be an interesting experience for TV viewers and we’ve received great comments,” he noted, adding that fans immediately asked why the technology could not be used in every match — or even every sport," he said. 

Collina stressed that the device does more than thrill television audiences.

“We had the possibility to see what the referee sees on the field of play… not only for entertainment, but for coaching the referees and explaining why something was not seen live.” He cited a group-stage clash between Atlético de Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, where the camera angle showed a defender blocking the referee’s line of sight during a handball incident eventually punished after VAR intervention.

The tournament also premiered an amendment to Law 12.2a, approved by IFAB in March, which penalises goalkeepers who hold the ball for more than eight seconds by awarding a corner kick to the opposition. Collina reported that only two goalkeepers were sanctioned, proof that the threat of a corner “improved the tempo” and eliminated time-wasting.

“The purpose was 100 percent achieved,” he added.

An enhanced semi-automated offside technology further sped up decision-making. According to Collina, assistant referees received alerts “well before” attackers could sprint 30 or 40 metres, preventing unnecessary play stoppages and ensuring every disallowed goal was correctly flagged.

In all, 117 match officials from 41 member associations were assigned to the 63-match showpiece — the first 32-team edition of the Club World Cup. Collina praised their performances and the tournament’s overall standard: “It was well played by players and well refereed by match officials… all the referees are proud to have been part of this first-ever event.”

With broadcasters excited and coaching staff armed with new teaching material, FIFA will now study whether the innovations should become permanent fixtures in top-level football. If Collina’s enthusiasm is any guide, the ref-cam era may only just be beginning.