All 129 match officials are wearing $5,800 Hublot watches during the World Cup

Match officials at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar are all sporting Hublot watches costing $5,800.

There are a total of 129 officials involved across the 64-game tournament, made up of 36 referees, 69 assistant referees and 24 VAR officials.

This tournament has made history with six female referees at the showpiece. Stephanie Frappart of France became the first female to referee at a men's World Cup.

Every official representing FIFA was handed the same Hublot Big Bang E FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 timepiece to wear during the duration of the tournament.

Founded in 1980, Swiss watchmakers Hublot are official timekeepers for the fourth World Cup in a row and have supplied the fourth officials with boards to announce substitutions and stoppage time.

The smartwatch has access to apps which track activity and health, with Frappart involved in the development process to make accuracy and communication that much easier for officials.

Hublot

It comes with technology exclusive to referees so that they can get all the necessary information they need.

The timepiece, with its 44mm dial is predominantly black ceramic or black titanium, but also has the maroon colours of the Qatar flag on the strap.

However, there is the option to customise the flag to any one of the 32 nations.

The consumer version, of which 1000 were made, includes a slew of features to improve the matchday experience for fans.

Image: Hublot

The watch counted down the days to the opening fixture between Qatar and Ecuador and gives notifications on team news and other details prior to kick-off of every game.

While the action is happening, live updates are sent directly to the watch and has special modes in the event of extra time and penalties.

Luis Figo, Marcel Desailly, Pele and Kylian Mbappe were able to get their hands on the limited-edition watch.

Topics: Football World Cup, Qatar

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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