An amazing development for the 2018 Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States from June 14 to July 13, has been formally confirmed by FIFA.  The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which is in charge of game regulations, has authorized the decision to equip referees with body cameras as part of an experimental phase.

 In addition to improving the fan experience, this ground-breaking project seeks to provide light on the officiating decisions made on the field.  “We believe this is a great opportunity to give spectators a new perspective, with images captured from a viewpoint never seen before,” said Pierluigi Collina, the distinguished head of FIFA’s Referees Committee, who expressed excitement for the idea.

In addition, the competition will introduce a new regulation designed to prevent goalkeepers from squandering time.  The new rule states that the referee will give a corner kick if the goalie retains the ball for longer than eight seconds.  The former indirect free-kick penalty for retaining the ball for more than six seconds was replaced by this modification, which was accepted by the IFAB on March 1.  “We need to see the game and the goals, not the refereeing,” stated Massimo Busacca, FIFA’s head of refereeing.  A good referee must constantly be ready but should not draw attention throughout the game.

The Portuguese teams FC Porto (Playing in Group A) and Benfica (Playing in Group C) are two of the 32 clubs competing in this first-ever Club World Cup.  Their presence will undoubtedly increase the enthusiasm and excitement of this international football extravaganza.