AI Expert Predicts Robots Could Replace Human Referees in Football within 30 Years
Artificial intelligence (AI) could soon revolutionize the role of referees in football, according to Aldo Comi, the CEO of Soccerment, a leading global football analytics provider. Comi predicts that robots could replace human referees within the next three decades, as advancements in computer vision and the increasing number of cameras on the pitch enhance the effectiveness of AI-powered machines.
While AI technology is already being utilized in officiating through tools like VAR (Video Assistant Referee) and goalline technology, its influence is expected to grow significantly in the future. With access to high-quality data and sophisticated models, AI machines could potentially make refereeing decisions based on what they observe on the field.
Speaking to the PA News agency, Comi explained, Computer vision will be more and more effective in the next few years, and the number of cameras on the pitch will only increase. The amount of data that is tagged and the quality of the models that are trained with that data will increase exponentially, and thanks to that, you will have AI models that can make refereeing decisions based on what they see on the pitch.
Comi envisions a future where referees are connected to virtual assistants that guide them in making better decisions on the field. He suggests that linesmen may be the first to disappear from the game, followed by the possibility of eliminating referees altogether and replacing them with AI technology.
However, Comi clarifies that he is not making a value judgment on these potential changes but simply pointing out that they are likely to happen. He believes that AI has the potential to bring new ways of thinking about the game and can provide valuable insights to coaches and managers.
As the integration of data improves, managers may even turn to virtual coaches for assistance with team selection and tactics. By analyzing high-quality data, AI can provide predictive analytics on what is likely to happen in the next few minutes of a game and offer suggestions on changes to improve a team’s chances of success.
Comi emphasizes that AI would not replace professionals but serve as a high-quality support system. The advantage of AI lies in its ability to process vast amounts of data and provide valuable insights, potentially giving clubs that embrace this technology a competitive edge.
AI technology has already played a significant role in disrupting the established hierarchy in leagues such as the Premier League. Clubs like Brighton and Brentford have used high-quality data to identify and sign talented players, subsequently selling them for substantial profits.
Soccerment has launched a new platform that provides users with unprecedented data insights, introducing metrics such as Gegenpressing Intensity (GPI), Expected Offensive Value Added (xOVA), Gegenpressing Efficiency (GPE), and BuildUp Disruption Percentage (BDP%). The platform aims to enhance the understanding of the game and provide teams with valuable insights to improve their performance.
While the potential for AI to revolutionize refereeing in football is exciting, it also raises questions about the role of human judgment and the essence of the game. Balancing technological advancements with maintaining the integrity and spirit of football will be crucial as the sport evolves in the future.
