Player Walk-Ons

Every starting player at the Club World Cup has had an individual walk-on before each match. This new feature has been one of the most notable innovations, though it has drawn criticism for adding extra time to pre-match formalities. Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia expressed his support, suggesting it could be introduced in the Premier League.

Ref Cam

'Ref cam' provides live images from referees' bodycams before the game, in the tunnel, during the warm-up, and at the coin toss. Although no live images are shown during the game, the footage is available to the video assistant referee (VAR). Former international referee Pierluigi Collina describes this technology as mainly an entertainment concept aimed at enhancing storytelling.

Eight-Second Rule for Goalkeepers

The new eight-second rule penalizes goalkeepers who hold onto the ball for too long by awarding a corner kick. This rule has been applied in the Club World Cup and the Under-21s European Championship. Al Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou became the second goalkeeper to concede a corner under this rule, adding drama to the match.

VAR Replays Shown in Stadium

For the first time, fans at the match can see the VAR replays that officials are being shown. This transparency aims to improve communication with supporters, though discussions in the VAR hub remain private. Pierluigi Collina emphasized the need for patience as football continues to adopt practices common in other sports.

Quicker Offside Decisions

An accelerated semi-automated offside technology is being used to reduce delays. Assistant referees receive instant notifications if a player is more than 10cm offside, ensuring quicker decisions. This technology was introduced in the Premier League and aims to prevent injuries caused by delayed offside calls.

Superior Player of the Match Award

The Superior Player of the Match award is decided by a public vote open between minutes 60 and 88 via FIFA+. Winners include notable players like Phil Foden and Pedro Neto. The award, sponsored by Michelob, represents a shift from the traditional 'Man of the Match' title to a more inclusive 'Player of the Match.'