Premier League to feature live referee audio in 2026-27 broadcasts
Howard Webb, chief refereeing officer for Pro Ref, has pushed for greater transparency on decision-making since his appointment four years ago, and created the "Mic'd Up” programme in 2023 to help show how key calls are made by officials.
LONDON - Audio of on-field conversations between Premier League referees and players will be heard during live broadcasts for the first time this season, the Press Association understands.
Howard Webb, chief refereeing officer for Pro Ref, has pushed for greater transparency on decision-making since his appointment four years ago, and created the "Mic'd Up” programme in 2023 to help show how key calls are made by officials.
The latest step in enhancing coverage and understanding for spectators -- as first reported by The Guardian -- will see one or two clips from the head-mounted RefCams worn by officials during each match round shown by Premier League domestic rights-holders Sky Sports and TNT Sports, PA understands.
Previously, RefCam footage could only be televised several days after matches under the initial terms of an agreement reached when the trial became a permanent feature at the start of last season, but those regulations will be relaxed in the 2026-27 campaign.
Rules put in place by the International Football Association Board mean no audio can be broadcast live concerning incidents referred to Video Assistant Referee, but one or two instances from each match round can now be shown by Sky Sports and TNT Sports during matches. - BERNAMA
Download Sinar Daily application.Click Here!
