Juventus-Inter: RefCam debut sparks row over referees’ pay | OneFootball

The Italian derby between Juventus and Inter, the first big match of the 2025-2026 season, was the stage for the official debut of the RefCam in Serie A. A technological novelty destined to change the narrative of football, but which has immediately sparked controversy.

Juventus-Inter, debut (with controversy) for the RefCam: "The FIGC should recognize fair compensation for the referees"

The referees' union, in fact, has asked for more protections and adequate compensation for the match directors, accusing the FIGC of exploiting an innovation that generates income without guaranteeing resources to the category.

Juventus-Inter inaugurates the RefCam: football seen from the eyes of the referee

What is the RefCam and how does it work

The RefCam is a micro-camera of just six grams mounted at the base of the referee's microphone arch. The goal is to offer a unique perspective: that of the match director during the most delicate phases of the game. The images - already tested at the Club World Cup - are transmitted at selected moments, such as the preparation of penalty kicks, allowing fans and professionals to virtually "enter the eyes" of the referee.

In the Italian derby, Andrea Colombo was the first referee in Italy to take the field with this device, thus inaugurating a new chapter in sports communication.

The protest of the referees' union

Despite the media enthusiasm, the National Coordination of Referees Slc-Cgil has raised significant concerns. Speaking was Giuseppe Fonisto, who explained that the problem is not related to the physical weight of the RefCam, but to the psychological one:

"Technology increases responsibility and pressures on referees. The FIGC continues not to recognize adequate compensation and the right economic protections".

The union also pointed the finger at the management of resources: "The Federation gains new income from these innovations but does not allocate funds to either the basic activity or the young referees, who must be guaranteed free entry to events, as provided by the membership cards. It is not a privilege, it is a right. Referees are not zero-cost labor: the economic value generated belongs to the referees and must remain with the refereeing organization".

Technology and rights: a balance to be found

The issue raised by the union not only concerns the introduction of the RefCam, but in general the relationship between technology, spectacle and protection of the game's protagonists. The request is clear: if innovation produces economic value, this must also be recognized for the referees who are an integral part of it.

Serie A, therefore, inaugurates a season marked not only by novelties on the field, but also by a confrontation that could open decisive scenarios on the future of the refereeing class in Italy.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.