Club World Cup to trial FIVE ‘trailblazing innovations’ as Fifa chief confirms ‘groundbreaking’ new rule changes

THE Club World Cup will trial five brand new rule changes when it kicks off later this month.

Fifa‘s revamped tournament gets underway on June 15 and will see top clubs from around the globe face off for an elaborate trophy and mega prize money.

Reuters

Fifa have announced five rule changes for the upcoming Club World Cup[/caption]

PA

Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom has labelled the changes as ‘trailblazing innovations’[/caption]

The tournament, which used to feature just six teams, has been expanded to 32 teams, spanning Europe, South America, North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

But it’s not just the tournament format that is going to look different, but also the way the games are officiated, after Fifa announced five “trailblazing innovations” to be used in the competition.

Football‘s world governing body, and tournament organisers, have revealed that fans will get to see more of the referee’s decision making than ever before.

The first change announced is that referees will wear body cameras during matches, with the footage used during live match broadcasts.

While footage from referee monitor reviews (VAR) will be aired live inside the stadium – something Premier League fans have been asking to see for some time.

Fifa will also trial an “advanced” semi-automated offside technology using sensors inside the balls, in hopes of making further improvement on the tech already used in Uefa competitions like the Champions League.

A fourth change will be the use of AI to collect live match data, helping fans see even more stats and figures to dissect the match.

While the final innovation is that managers and coaching staff will be able to request their substitutions to the fourth official through a digital tablet, doing away with the old fashioned paper slips used at present.

Reuters

VAR replays will be shown on screens inside stadiums at the tournament[/caption]

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Fifa’s secretary general Mattias Grafstrom praised the organisation for the new additions.

He said: “Fifa has a proud history of breaking new ground at its elite tournaments, and the Fifa Club World Cup will continue that trend.

“With the best clubs competing for the title of world champions, it is fitting that these trailblazing innovations will be on display at such a prestigious tournament.”

The tournament will be broadcast for free on streaming service DAZN in the UK.

Fans can look forward to rare matchups between teams from different continents with clubs like Real Madrid, Flamengo, Man City, Chelsea and Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami all involved.

The tournament is taking place across the United States of America, with top NFL and MLS stadiums hosting the matches.

The final, which takes place on July 13, will be hosted in New York at the MetLife Stadium – home of the New York Jets and New York Giants.