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

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

When FC Cologne met AC Milan this weekend, Germany installed cameras and microphones into the players’ gear. The goal is to give TV viewers a “completely new experience”.

Many are also touched. The score clip 2-0, first published by Cologne, has been viewed 12 million times on Twitter.

– Raw

Cologne told NRK the stunt was a one-off incident, but the club will now evaluate the effect. They are already convinced that it enhances the viewing experience.

The initiative itself comes from Telekom partners who are also WC license holders.

– 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. On the ground floor, you get a better understanding of the 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. The closeness 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 judges see and don’t see, and here viewers can see for themselves, says Gjøviken.

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

MindFly company is behind the camera in question, according to 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 in fixed situations. Before and during free kicks and penalty kicks, it can give the spectators extra courage.

But it can’t be used either for many, experts believe. He saw a longer clip of a match with lots of field play.

– You can get seasick if a lot happens. It has to be used properly, says Torp.

He didn’t think the players would mind that the audience and the audience were getting closer.

– Not at this rate. They are thoroughly analyzed after every game regardless. It’s part of the game. Now you have cameras everywhere, no matter what. It might be a little strange the first time, but it disappears after a few minutes, thought the expert.