Hublot's Smartwatch Will Assist Referees with VAR at World Cup 2018
Swiss luxury watch brand Hublot has released its first smartwatch, which will be used by referees at the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia this June.
Named 'Big Bang Referee' and designed specifically for referees at this Summer's World Cup in Russia after a request by the organisers, the smartwatch allows referees on the pitch to connect to the controversial VAR (video-assisted referees), which is set to be used at the tournament for the first time.
It will allow referees to communicate with VAR, which is used to gather information on game incidents such as whether or not the ball crossed the goal line.
"Wanting a customised watch for the referees, FIFA asked Hublot to conceive the perfect watch to accompany them on the pitches during the matches." said a statement from Swiss luxury watch company.
The statement continued: "The referees' watches will be connected to goal-line technology, an electronic video assistance system for refereeing which follows all the trajectories of the ball and determines for certain if the ball did or did not entirely cross the goal line".
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this Smartwatch by Hublot, as well as the usage of VAR at the World Cup 2018. Comment below.
Valenciennes FC 26-27 Third Kit Released
French club Valenciennes FC and Danish brand Hummel have officially released their new third kit for the 2026-27 season. Completing the club's set of shirts for the campaign, the new release pays homage to the traditional lace-making heritage and textile craftsmanship of Valenciennes and the wider Hainaut region.
The Hummel Valenciennes 26-27 third jersey features a deep blue base highlighted by subtle vertical bands incorporating intricate floral lace graphics. These patterned columns are framed by thin yellow pinstripes, matching the signature Hummel chevrons on the shoulders. A vintage-styled white polo collar and matching sleeve cuffs add contrast, while the club crest and Toyota sponsor logo are rendered in clean white.
Continuing the theme of embedding local identity into their designs—following the home shirt inspired by museum stained glass and the away shirt featuring regional symbols—the Valenciennes FC 26-27 third kit is available now via the club's official online store and physical club shop.
Real Madrid x Farm Rio
We’ve received new information on the Real Madrid x Farm Rio collaboration we previously reported on.
More details coming very soon on Footy Headlines…
What If Adidas Made Barcelona Kits?
Kit collector and insider @memorabilia1899 has shared an intriguing concept imagining how FC Barcelona would look if Adidas were the club's technical sponsor. Despite Barcelona having a long-term partnership with Nike extended through 2038, the fantasy of the German sportswear giant designing the Blaugrana's kits continues to spark conversation among football shirt enthusiasts.
The Adidas Barcelona concept leans heavily into retro aesthetics, combining classic vertical red and blue stripes with the iconic Trefoil logo on the chest. A dark blue polo collar, styled with 'BARÇA 1899' detailing, is paired with gold-orange accents seen across the Three Stripes on the shoulders and the centered Spotify sponsor logo. The full look is completed by navy blue shorts and matching socks.
Would you like to see Adidas manufacture Barcelona kits in the future, or does Nike remain the perfect fit for the Catalan giants?
