The English Football Association to double trial on referee body cameras during matches after recording encouraging results in the initial phase of a seven-month-long trial, according to Daniel Meeson, head of technical and referee development at the FA, said on Wednesday.

According to the data gathered thus far, no abuse towards match officials has been recorded in more than 500 matches where body cameras were used. 

Mr Meeson said the presence of the devices has made both players and managers rethink their attitudes towards referees.

In those games, no incident that warrants referees to activate the device has been recorded.

Mr Meeson said the situation had reached a stage where the FA “needed to do something pretty strong”. More than 100 grassroots referees have worn body cameras while officiating matches.

As per the BBC, the innovation has been tested during matches across Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Worcester, and Essex, with recorded footage available for use in disciplinary hearings as appropriate. For more analysis, it would be extended to eight more county associations in 2024.

Mr Meeson said the ongoing trial would last for two to three seasons to gather sufficient analysis on the use of body cameras by referees, which is expected to serve as a deterrent to players and club officials if successful.