– Very innovative. This gives viewers a completely different affinity with the game, says NRK football expert Carl-Erik Torp.

It’s not every practice match that makes headlines, but this one has a slightly different packaging.

When FC Köln met AC Milan at the weekend, the Germans installed cameras and microphones on the players’ uniforms. The goal is to give TV viewers a “completely new experience”.

Many also let themselves get excited. The score clip 2-0, first published by Köln, has now been viewed 12 million times Twitter.

– Raw

Köln informed NRK that the stunt was only once, but the club will now evaluate the effect. They are already convinced that it enhances the viewing experience.

The initiative itself came from Telekom’s partners, who are also the rights holders in the World Cup.

– This can give a better understanding of how demanding it is out there. As a spectator, you will be spoiled for a bit with a complete overview of all the rooms and all the races. At a basic level, you get a better understanding of options. But that requires technology that doesn’t get in the way of the players at all, Torp said.

Ingvild Gjøviken has been producing football matches for NRK since 2008. He believes this camera is valuable if it really came true.

– If you get permission, it’s raw. That closeness is what we always seek. Details, emotions and experiences – that viewers should experience the same as players. The closer you are, the more involved you are, says Gjøviken.

He points out that it can be just as exciting to have an equal chance with the judges.

– Proximity is very important in controversial situations. There are often discussions about what the jury saw and didn’t see, and here the audience could see for themselves, says Gjøviken.

Torp believes players’ cameras could come “very quickly” if technology allows.

The MindFly company is behind the camera in question, they say Target. Players are wearing camera vests that should be no more of a hindrance than a regular GPS vest, according to the developers themselves.

– Must be used properly

Torp imagines that this camera angle is the best for fixed situations. Before and during free kicks and penalty kicks, this can make the crowd more excited.

But it can’t be used either for a lot, say experts. He saw a longer clip of the match with a lot of field play.

– You can get seasick if there’s a lot going on. It has to be used properly, says Torp.

He didn’t think the cast would mind if the viewers and the public got closer.

– Not at this rate. They are thoroughly analyzed after each game. It’s part of the game. Now you have cameras everywhere. It may be a little strange the first time, but it disappears after a few minutes, experts believe.