WHAT VIDEO REVIEW CONTROVERSIES IN SPORTS REVEAL ABOUT AI AND HUMAN-DECISION-MAKING

 

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan argues with referee François Letexier during the Argentina-Egypt World Cup match on July 7, 2026. AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser

If you watched the 2026 FIFA World Cup, you probably saw the now-familiar ritual: a goal, a celebration, then a referee touching an earpiece while fans and players wait for the verdict from the video assistant referee, or VAR.

That ritual is not unique to soccer. Baseball has a replay center in New York, and other sports have also moved once-human calls into review systems.

The hope is simple: Use better technology to yield better calls.

Soccer authorities expected more cameras, replay angles and tracking data to mitigate referee error, limit subjectivity and strengthen perceptions of fairness. But VAR has created new arguments among players, coaches, fans and commentators: Should VAR have intervened? Was the same standard for when to intervene applied consistently? Did the process itself feel fair?

Watching the World Cup as a decision-making researcher, I could not help but see VAR as more than a refereeing tool. It looked like a case study in technology-assisted decision-making, with parallels to the growing use of AI in organizational decision-making.

VAR produced a set of mismatches between what the technology promised and how people experienced it. It left fans disappointed and created new disputes about judgment, process and trust. These tensions offer a useful lens for understanding AI adoption more broadly.

Video replays give officials more accurate information, but that doesn’t automatically lead to better judgment – or less controversy. AP Photo/Martin Meissner

Better measurement is not better judgment

Some decisions are measurement problems: Was the player offside? Did the ball cross the line? Did contact occur? Technology is excellent at these questions because cameras, sensors and data reduce mistakes that come from people not seeing clearly.

But many decisions are judgment problems: Was the contact enough for a penalty? Was the tackle reckless? Was the referee’s original call clearly wrong? Those questions involve interpretation, context and standards. A camera can show that contact occurred. It cannot decide how that contact should be judged.

The same issue appears when organizations use AI to support decisions. AI can process data, predict patterns and classify cases. But a doctor, manager, judge or teacher still needs to decide what the output means, how much weight to give it and what values are at stake. Research on human-AI collaboration makes a similar point: AI is often strongest when paired with human judgment rather than treated as a full replacement for it.

Subjectivity does not disappear – it moves

Before VAR, arguments focused on what the referee saw. After VAR, arguments often focus on how the process works. When does VAR intervene? How far back can officials review the play? What counts as “clear and obvious” video evidence?

Subjectivity is still there. It has moved from the referee’s eyes to the rules, thresholds and governance of the review system. Baseball shows a similar pattern: Replay did not remove judgment from the game. It changed which plays could be reviewed, how challenges worked and where judgment entered the process.

Major League Baseball uses a video replay system that requires ‘indisputable video evidence’ to overturn a call, leaving the determination of ‘indisputable’ to the judgment of the replay official. AP Photo/John Minchillo

AI systems create the same shift. Organizations often imagine AI as a way to remove human discretion. In practice, discretion reappears in new places: deciding which model to use, what data to train on, what error rate is acceptable and who is accountable when the system fails.

More precision can reduce trust

People often assume that greater precision creates greater trust. Sometimes it does. But it can raise expectations faster than it reduces ambiguity. If technology can measure an offside decision by centimeters, fans may expect every decision to feel equally certain. When penalty calls or red cards remain debatable, people can become frustrated.

Research on why people avoid using algorithms finds something similar: People can lose confidence in algorithms after seeing them make mistakes, even when they perform well overall. Accuracy alone does not guarantee legitimacy.

That finding matters for AI decision systems. A company may use AI to make hiring or performance evaluation more objective. But if applicants or employees see the system as inconsistent, biased or unfair, trust can fall instead of rise. When organizations frame AI as a silver bullet, they raise expectations the technology cannot always meet. The result can be deeper frustration and faster loss of trust.

Tennis’s automated line-calling aims to take human error out of a crucial measurement: Was the ball on the line or not? Visionhaus/Getty Images

Where technology ends and judgment begins

Management research suggests that AI adoption today is not a simple choice between humans and machines. The better question is whether a decision should be automated, augmented or left to human judgment.

Measurement problems are the strongest candidates for automation: AI can scan documents, detect patterns, classify cases or flag anomalies faster and more consistently than people can. Interpretation problems call for human-AI collaboration: AI can provide information, options or recommendations, but people still need to think about the context of the decision, how much uncertainty is involved and the consequences the decision may have. And some decisions remain deeply human. Questions involving fairness, accountability, values or meaning cannot be handed over to technology without changing the nature of the decision itself – from one of human judgment to algorithmic assessment.

VAR makes this boundary visible in sport. AI is now forcing organizations to confront the same boundary across high-stakes decisions. The key question in AI adoption is not simply, “Can AI make this decision?” It is, “Which parts of the decision should AI make, and which parts should remain a matter of human judgment?”

-  Pooya Tabesh, California State University, Los Angeles

'TOO COMPLICATED' - CAN F1 DRIVERS REGAIN CONTROL FROM AI ENGINES?

 

The key theme among drivers in the build-up to Formula 1’s Hungarian Grand Prix so far has been concerns about how much results in 2026 are out of their hands. 

Last weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix exposed how forward-thinking algorithms that dictate where and when energy should be deployed are causing frustration among the majority of drivers. 

It led to baffling straightline speed deficits between identical cars and drivers feeling like what the algorithm decided was a key factor in deciding qualifying and the race.

Oscar Piastri complained at Spa that when qualifying is being “decided by computers behaving or misbehaving, it's a pretty crap way of going racing.” 

Asked in Hungary if it “sometimes feels like you’re the passenger of an AI programme that still has to be trained?”, Piastri replied: “Sometimes, yes. At a track like Spa or a track like Silverstone, it’s going to be worse. 

“Here [at the Hungaroring], I really don’t expect there to be many problems at all with that kind of thing, because the straights are so much shorter, so even if there are differences, they should be a lot less. 

“But the principle of driving a race car that loses effectively half of its power before the end of the straight is hard to get your head around sometimes. 

“Even in Spa, a lot of the middle sector we were doing it just on the combustion engine, with no battery assistance at all, which is a weird feeling in itself, having some corners with a certain amount of power and others with full power. 

“Spa was particularly frustrating, not just for me but for quite a lot of others, because those small differences in the code and what the engines did made quite a big difference in laptime. 

“Especially at the front of the field, I think there were still only nine hundredths or something separating four positions [0.094s covered third to sixth], and there were definitely more than nine hundredths on the table for quite a few drivers from things they could not control.” 

These forward-thinking algorithms have existed for a long-time before 2026, but as Piastri highlighted, knowledge of the previous power units was so mature, the impact was minimal. 

“When I joined Formula 1 [in 2023], those engines were incredibly mature, but also the penalty of things being slightly wrong or slightly out of place was significantly less, because it was such a small percentage of the overall power you got,” Piastri said.

“Whereas this year, it’s basically half your power, so any small differences or anything that doesn’t quite go right has a massive impact, especially at a track like Spa. 

“We’ve got no control over where the deployment happens, more or less. You can push the boost button, but that’s more for overtaking than in qualifying, especially. 

“When you’ve got those differences there that you have no control over, it can be frustrating.” 

‘Less raw’ a challenge 

Charles Leclerc has long bemoaned the reduced challenge of qualifying in 2026 and how you can actually be punished for the kind of all-out qualifying laps he’s become renowned for. He gave the example of doing a “very good” La Source Turn 1 at Spa, only to be punished for it as he then consequently lacks power on the Kemmel Straight. 

He explained "I feel like we all get surprised here and there on different tracks, because it's never always always the same reason why a problem has occurred, which makes it quite complicated.” 

As Max Verstappen summed up: “Sometimes you cannot make a difference. You're not allowed to make a difference because it will just penalise you on the next straight.”

Asked if fast drivers were still being rewarded, Leclerc said: “The characteristics of a fast driver is to adapt, constantly and quickly. 

“To be a fast driver only on one car- I mean, it is not great, and I don't think it exists so much either. I think a fast driver is fast in any car. 

“Does it add a little bit more unpredictability with these cars? Yes, it does, and I think pushing the absolute limit is probably less rewarding than it was in the past because whenever you go over, whenever you have a wheelspin, you waste energy on a wheelspin because you're not going forward but you're using the battery. 

“So all these kinds of things are making it a bit- it's less raw and it's a little bit more of a thinking game and of restraining yourself from going to the absolute limit, which is not my favourite exercise but again it's the way it is and I've got to optimise whatever I have.” 

‘Too complicated’ - but will it change? 

Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu (left) and Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord

It’s not just drivers calling for change either as Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu thinks F1’s formula is “just too complicated” currently as “it relies on a tiny detail of driver operation that has an unintended or secondary consequence. 

“I think we all identify the need to avoid [it] and improve as a sport to bring the control back to the driver and also just simplify for everyone. 

“It's very important that everyone understands the sport regardless of what your interests are. To be able to do that, I think the sport has to be a bit more simplified.” 

But whether it will change before F1’s likely switch to simpler V8 engines remains to be seen. 

There are 2027 and 2028 rule changes planned that will shift F1 from its current 53-47 internal combustion engine to electrical power split to 60-40 in favour of the internal combustion engine. 

But that won’t eliminate the predictive algorithms, just reduce their importance as the electrical deployment is lessened. 

Piastri does think that teams’ growing understanding of how to exploit these power units will help too. 

“I’m sure it’ll get better. I don’t expect it to ever fully go away, but as the manufacturers understand it more and work out the regulation restrictions more, in terms of what the code can and can’t do, hopefully things will become a bit better,” Piastri said. 

That will lead to fewer mistakes with the algorithms but won’t necessarily mean more power back in the driver’s hands. 

A counter view

Not everyone is aligned that things need to be simplified in the first place, however.

When asked about the predictive algorithms, Audi F1 driver Gabriel Bortoleto said: “We are in Formula 1. We are developing the future technology. 

“If we are not using all the tools that are available in the world for us, in our favour, then I don't know what Formula 1 is about. 

“People used to complain because ‘nowadays the drivers have too much things to do’, now that there is things doing it for us, we are complaining now that they are doing it for us - so I'm happy with the way it's going.

“It's nice that the software is able to adapt itself and understand what and how much energy you are deploying through the lap and how to evolve through the laps, next laps you are doing. I don't think it should change, if I'm very honest, that's my opinion.”

He thinks adapting to such a challenge is just part of being an F1 driver.

“I don't think I changed much my way of driving, but again I don't like the sentence 'driving style', because I don't believe that a F1 driver should ever say that, because we should be able to adapt, even if it's not natural maybe.

“But we should be able to adapt to any type of car and the way you need to drive, that's why we do what we do and that's why we are the 22 drivers in the world doing F1.”

On the subject of whether the fastest drivers are still able to stand out, Bortoleto said: “Well, do you see Verstappen being slow? Do you see a seven-time world champion being slow this year? Do you see Leclerc being slow? I don't see them being slow, I still see them very competitive, so I wouldn't say fast drivers are slow.

“Actually Lewis [Hamilton] is a bit better than he was doing last year, Max is still performing like crazy, putting that car on the top, Lando [Norris], the world champion, the reigning world champion, is still quick when his thing doesn't break... 

“I don't think we have seen slow drivers last year becoming quick and the quick guys slow, I think it's still racing.” 

When Bortoleto’s comments were put to Max Verstappen, having clarified who said it, the Red Bull driver said: “Yeah, he's right. I mean, your driving style always needs to change to whatever is fastest. 

“I can drive the cars just saying, ‘this is how I drive it’. Well, I can tell you in Spa, you lose half a second. That shows you how weird it is at the moment.“He’s right, you need to adapt. Adaptability is super important. But that goes for any, like all the series that you've raced in, all the way to F1, I think you always need to adapt to what is best for that car that you are driving.” 

And when The Race put the question of whether F1 needs to move to put more power back in F1 drivers’ hands, Fernando Alonso - who may well feel there’s already plenty out of his control in F1 2026 so far in the slowest car - said: “I don’t know. It depends. I think F1 has always been a little bit like that. 

“I don’t think the drivers were deciding everything, even when we had traction control and some of the other aids. It was very specific to each team, developed by each team in a different way, with different philosophies. 

“You were pressing the throttle at the exit of the corners, and some cars were much better than the others. It’s not pure driver talent or input on some of the exits. 

“It’s the same with the starts. I’ve been doing starts for 25 years, and we’ve had many different regulations. At the end of the day, there were always some cars and some teams starting better than the others, with both cars. It’s not just that someone was doing something differently with the clutch, with a technique or with the throttle application. Both cars from that team were extremely good or extremely bad. 

“I think the team is always bringing the performance to everything. But yes, I think with these current regulations and the battery deployment, there is something that has to be fixed and improved. I think that’s well understood. 

“We are in the first half of this set of regulations, in the first year, and there are already talks about 2030 or 2031 and the V8. 

“Next year, there is already approval for the change to the combustion versus electrical part of the engine. There are things moving forward, and it’s well understood by the sport, by the teams and by everyone. 

“I’m optimistic for the future that it will get better and that it will be better understood what the rules and what the cars need to be.”

- JOSH SUTTILL

CHINA'S AI TECHNOLOGY POWERS MILANO CORTINA OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES

Cross country skiers make their way in heavy snowfall on a track parallel to the mountain pass road near Toblach running between the Olympic venues in Cortina and Antholz, northern Italy, January 25, 2026. /VCG

According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the first official large language model in Olympic history, developed with technical support from Chinese companies, has been deployed simultaneously for professional Games operations and public services.

On the operations side, an AI assistant allows members of national Olympic delegations to access official information simply by asking questions in their native languages, significantly improving coordination and preparation efficiency.

For the public, the "Olympic AI Assistant" is available worldwide, providing real-time, accurate answers to questions about competition rules, Olympic history, and other Games-related information.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the IOC has launched the first official large language model in Olympic history. She expressed appreciation for China's technological support, noting it is helping make the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games one of the smartest Olympic Games ever while opening up new possibilities for the Olympic Movement.

Beyond public services, Chinese AI technology is also deeply integrated into the Games' broadcast coverage. AI-enabled technologies, such as "bullet time," have been deployed at 10 core venues, covering more than two-thirds of competition events, including alpine skiing, snowboarding, and ski jumping, thereby enhancing the viewing experience for global audiences.

Sotiris Salamouris, Chief Technology Officer of Olympic Broadcasting Services, said winter Olympic sports are highly dynamic, characterized by extreme speed and explosive power. He noted that advanced technology that freezes athletes' movements and captures their performances from multiple angles helps audiences better understand these sports and fully appreciate the athletes' extraordinary achievements.

- CGTN

CHATGPT DEFEATED AT CHESS BY A 1977 ATARI

ChatGPT just lost a chess match to a 1977 Atari console.

Even on beginner mode, it struggled against the decades-old AI engine.

ChatGPT hit a humbling roadblock—losing badly in a game of chess to an Atari 2600 from 1977. 

In a now-viral LinkedIn post, Citrix software engineer Robert Caruso recounted how the modern AI chatbot was "absolutely wrecked" by Atari Chess, a primitive game engine that only thinks one to two moves ahead. 

Even on beginner mode, ChatGPT fumbled its way through the match, confusing pieces, misreading moves, and losing track of the board state entirely—blunders that would embarrass even a novice.

The irony? 

While ChatGPT floundered with abstract visuals and insisted it could win with a restart, the Atari’s rudimentary 8-bit system calmly calculated its next moves, delivering a crushing defeat with no frills or fanfare. 

The showdown highlights a striking contrast between brute-force logic and generative language intelligence—suggesting that even cutting-edge AI can be outplayed by decades-old tech when it steps out of its comfort zone. 

Chalk one up for retro resilience.

- Science Explorist

#RetroTech #AI #ChatGPT #ChessFail #Atari2600 #ArtificialIntelligence #OldVsNew #TechIrony #AIHumor #Futurism

MARK ZUCKERBERG ANNOUNCES NEW META X OAKLEY AI GLASSES COLLAB DESIGNED FOR ATHLETES

MARK ZUCKERBERG/INSTAGRAM

After a successful run with their Meta Rayban glasses, Mark Zuckerberg unveiled the next iteration of AI glasses.

On Friday, Meta and EssilorLuxottica announced the launch of a new line of Oakley smart glasses that include Meta AI.

“New @oakleymeta glasses otw! Excited to collab with another iconic brand like Oakley” wrote Zuckerberg on Instagram. “The future of performance AI glasses 🔥”

Meta says the Oakley’s PRIZM Lens technology will help athletes see better “across changing light and weather conditions.”

The new smartglasses have a better battery life and a higher resolution camera than the Meta Raybans. The glasses will come equipped with the latest Meta AI technology.

The HSTN smart glasses have a starting price of $399 be available to preorder on July 11.

- JORGE ALONSO

SUPER COMPUTER PREDICTS SNOOKER 2025 WORLD CHAMPION

 

UFC CEO DANA WHITE JOINS MARK ZUCKERBERG'S META BOARD OF DIRECTORS

UFC CEO Dana White is now in business with Mark Zuckerberg.

Meta, formerly known as Facebook Inc., announced Monday the UFC CEO has joined the company’s board of directors along with John Elkann, CEO of Exor; and Charlie Songhurst, former General Manager and Head of Global Corporate Strategy at Microsoft.

“Dana, John and Charlie will add a depth of expertise and perspective that will help us tackle the massive opportunities ahead with AI, wearables and the future of human connection,” Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Meta, said in a news release.

White, who’s mainly known for his work with the UFC, which spans over two decades, showed eagerness for the new venture.

“I’ve never been interested in joining a board of directors until I got the offer to join Meta’s board,” White said. “I am a huge believer that social media and AI are the future. I am very excited to join this incredible team and to learn more about this business from the inside. There is nothing I love more than building brands, and I look forward to helping take Meta to the next level.”

The announcement may not come entirely out of left field. Zuckerberg is a public fan and supporter of the UFC, and in recent years has been attending events, and seen hanging out with fighters and White himself. He even was one of the cornermen for Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. In addition, the UFC also used to stream its preliminary card fights on Facebook Live.

- Danny Segura

NBA LEGEND SHOWS OFF HIS NEW WIDEBODY CARBON FIBER TESLA CYBERTRUCK: ELON MUSK HAS A WORD REACTION

What Happened: Shaq’s latest acquisition is a customized Tesla Cybertruck, crafted by Effortless Motors. The vehicle, dubbed the “Cyberbeast,” boasts a widebody kit and carbon fiber construction, making it both lighter and visually striking.

The inspiration for this unique Cybertruck came from LeBron James. After learning about LeBron’s custom Cybertruck from Effortless Motors, Shaq saw an opportunity to create a vehicle that suited his style and size.

Effortless Motors delivered the Cyberbeast to Shaq’s home in Las Vegas. The vehicle features massive 26-inch rims and a black-on-black color scheme, adding to its commanding road presence.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk was left impressed with Shaq's new Cybertruck. He had a one-word reaction to it: "nice."

Nice

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 7, 2024

While performance specs for this custom Cybertruck are not detailed, Shaq’s previous tri-motor Cybertruck could achieve 845 hp and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds.

Shaq’s garage is already known for its impressive collection of vehicles that match his larger-than-life personality. The addition of this futuristic and spacious Tesla Cybertruck further enhances his legendary lineup.

Why It Matters: Last month, it was reported that Shaq chose to purchase another Cybertruck instead of shipping his existing one from Las Vegas to Atlanta.

The unveiling of Shaq’s custom Cybertruck is part of a broader trend among celebrities who are gravitating toward Tesla’s futuristic vehicles. Musk has publicly praised the growing list of celebrities purchasing Cybertrucks, highlighting their appeal without any discounts or paid promotions.

In March, Steve Aoki and Big Sean were among the latest celebrities to join the Cybertruck craze, further cementing its status as a must-have accessory in the entertainment world.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

- Rounak Jain, Benzinga Editor

WIMBLEDON IS MONITORING SOCIAL MEDIA TO TRY TO PROTECT PLAYER'S FROM.CYBER BULLYING

 LONDON (AP) — The All England Club is monitoring social media to try to help protect players at Wimbledon from cyberbullying for the first time this year.

“This is not something you’ll see in the public domain at all. You won't see us shout about it. But effectively, we are scrolling social media for any of this type of content, and it means that we can get information that we haven't had in the past. We’re not just relying on what the player might be saying has happened to them,” tournament director Jamie Baker said Friday. “Also, if there is something that is of concern, that’s when our security (team) … can help do something about it.”

Baker said the new initiative is similar to what the French Tennis Federation did during the French Open last year, when it began paying a company to provide players with software that uses artificial intelligence to block negative comments.

“Tennis is doing a lot more of this now, so I think in general, for the athletes, it’s really positive that we’re taking this step,” said Baker, a former player.

He said AI plays a role in the All England Club's efforts in this area, but people also are involved in keeping an eye on what's being directed at competitors online during the two-week Grand Slam tournament that finishes on July 14.

Players can opt in for the service and choose to have full scans of what is being posted on social media. Messages can include anger expressed by gamblers who lost money on a particular match, racist comments and even sometimes rise to the level of death threats, players say.

“The basis of it is if they’ve got anything that we think is a concern or worth flagging, ultimately, it's engaging with the player," Baker said. "The benefit of having it is, you do have the ability to ... officially register what's going on."

After a discussion with the player, the tournament could reach out to the police, if deemed necessary, although Baker declined to say whether that has happened yet.

“I guess, if it got to a point where there was any type of criminal activity,” law enforcement authorities would be brought in, Baker said, adding: “But that would be out of our hands. We'd obviously pass that on. ... But we’re not obviously stepping in and becoming the police.”

- HOWARD FENDRICH

SCHUMACHER FAMILY AWARDED €200K IN COMPENSATION OVER 'AI INTERVIEW'

A Schumacher family spokesperson told ESPN in April 2023 that the family would take legal action over the interview. Clive Mason/Getty Images

 Michael Schumacher's family has been awarded €200,000 ($217,000) by a German magazine that claimed an AI-generated interview was actually an exclusive with the Formula One legend himself.

Last April, Die Aktuelle ran a front cover spread promising an exclusive interview with Schumacher, who has not been seen in public since suffering a serious brain injury in a December 2013 skiing accident.

At the end of the article, it was revealed to have been entirely fabricated by AI. The Schumacher family took legal action and have confirmed to ESPN the settlement, confirmed by the Munich Labor Court.

The compensation was paid by Funke media group, who last year apologised to the Schumacher family and terminated the contract of the editor-in-chief responsible for the article's publication.

Since the accident, the Schumacher's have gone to great lengths to ensure Michael's privacy, with access closely guarded. He is believed to be at the family's home in Switzerland.

The family was even reserved with information about his condition in a recent Netflix documentary about his life and career, which saw him win 91 races and seven world championships and become the sport's most successful driver.

Die Aktuelle has a history with the Schumachers. In 2014, the magazine posted a picture of Michael and wife Corinna on the front cover, with the headline "Awake," only for the piece in question to have been about people who have awoken from comas in the past.

The magazine also won a legal case against the Schumachers the next year after a front cover saying "a new love" had entered Corinna's life, only for the article to be about the couple's daughter, Gina.

- Nate Saunders, General Editor, F1

CAN A.I. REBUILD MANCHESTER UNITED?

It has been a tough year for Erik ten Hag and Man United. Can we get them back on track using machine learning? Michael Steele/Getty Images

 For all of our efforts to better understand professional soccer, there's really only one golden rule: The more you spend, the more you win.

As the economist Stefan Szymanski has found, multiple times over the years, the single number that has the largest connection with the number of points a team wins over the long run is the amount of money a team pays its players. You can't, of course, just automatically double your wage bill and expect a 100% increase in performance. But the best players and the best coaches will eventually find their way to the clubs that can pay them the highest wages.

That is, on average. For the past decade, one club has consistently thwarted the wage-to-wins gravity -- in the wrong direction: Manchester United. While revenue doesn't exactly equal wages, it's close. And in the 10 reported seasons since 2012-13, when they won their last league title and Sir Alex Ferguson then left the club, United's average annual revenue ranked third in the world and first in England. Over that stretch, their average finishing position in the Premier League table is fifth.

They've underperformed their resources by such a degree, so consistently, that it almost seems like you'd have to actively be trying to sabotage yourself. The relative performance is so bad that I've often wondered if it's even possible to be worse. Like, if you let a teenager pick players based on ratings from the FIFA video game or you exclusively trawled Manchester United's Reddit page for tips, I'm not sure you'd do worse than an average of fifth-place over 10 years. In fact, I think you'd very likely do better.

Or, you know, what if you just let a computer run the team? And I'm not talking about a bespoke analytically precise algorithm like the smartest clubs in the world are using. I'm talking about one of the publicly available large-language models. What would artificial intelligence say about rebuilding Manchester United? And would it do better than the humans who built the team in the past or the ones now tasked with building it for the future?

Let's find out.

To undergo this exercise, I fired up a bunch of different A.I. models. Google's Gemini was terrible; in fact, the A.I. got so frustrated that it eventually gave up on helping and told me the following: "I sincerely apologize again. My data seems to be malfunctioning across multiple positions. There seems to be a critical issue with my access to up-to-date transfer information on central defenders. Given this, I cannot provide a truly informed recommendation on a specific player in the £15-20 million range. However, I can offer some resources that might be helpful in your search for a center back target." And then it sent me links to Transfermarkt and FBref.

Meanwhile, Microsoft's Copilot refused to continue our conversation beyond five questions. Instead, I landed on the most well-known of the three: ChatGPT. After a couple of tries, I realized that this wouldn't work without me providing a good deal of context to most of my questions and at least leading the A.I. toward some potential answers.

What I wanted it to tell us: Who will be coaching the team next season? Who will be leaving the club this summer? How much money will be spent in the transfer market? What positions and specific players should the team acquire? And how the heck will you justify this result to your fan base?

What follows is a heavily edited version of our conversation.

ESPN: You were just hired to be the new director of football at Manchester United to rebuild the team after arguably the worst Premier League season (60 points, minus-1 goal differential) in the club's history. You have no previous connection to the club or the current coach or any of the players, and you've been hired to create a team that will eventually challenge for a Premier League title and make deep runs in the Champions League final. Can I ask you some questions?

ChatGPT: Absolutely, ask away! What's on your mind regarding the rebuilding process?

The first decision you have to make, presumably, is concerning the manager, Erik ten Hag. Will you retain him or will you bring in a replacement manager this summer?

Taking over at Manchester United would indeed come with tough decisions, especially regarding the coaching staff. However, since I don't have any prior context on Erik ten Hag's performance or the dynamics within the club, I'd need some more information to make an informed decision.

If Ten Hag has a strong track record of success and is aligned with the vision I have for the team's style of play and development, I would be inclined to retain him. On the other hand, if there are significant concerns about his ability to lead the team to the desired level of success or if there's a clear need for a fresh perspective, bringing in a new manager might be necessary.

Ultimately, the decision would be based on a comprehensive assessment of Ten Hag's coaching abilities, his fit within the club's culture and goals, and the available options in the managerial market.

In his two seasons with the club, Man United finished third with 78 points and a plus-15 goal difference, winning the Carabao Cup (2022-23) and finished eighth with 60 points and a minus-1 goal difference (2023-24). In both seasons, United had one of the highest net transfer spends and wage bills in the league. Would you retain him or find a new coach?

Those results do present a mixed picture. Finishing third and winning the Carabao Cup in the first season is a positive achievement, indicating a certain level of competence and ability to deliver. However, the sharp decline in performance in the following season, despite significant financial backing, raises concerns about consistency and long-term strategic planning.

In evaluating whether to retain Erik ten Hag, I would consider several factors:

Playing Style and Philosophy: Is Ten Hag's style of play aligned with the club's identity and the type of football I want Manchester United to play? Is there evidence that his tactics can consistently deliver results against top teams?

Player Development: How has Ten Hag contributed to the development of young players within the squad? Has he integrated academy talents successfully into the first team?

Man Management: What is the morale and cohesion like within the squad under his leadership? Are there any signs of discord or lack of motivation among the players?

Transfer Strategy: How effectively has Ten Hag utilized the transfer budget and wage bill to strengthen the squad? Are the signings and departures aligned with the team's needs and long-term vision?

Adaptability: Has Ten Hag demonstrated the ability to adapt tactics and strategies based on the opposition and varying circumstances throughout the season?

Leadership and Communication: How does Ten Hag handle pressure situations, communicate with the board and manage the media?

Based on a thorough assessment of these factors and consultations with key stakeholders within the club, including players, staff and board members, I would make a decision on whether to retain Erik ten Hag or explore bringing in a new coach. Consistency and a clear vision for sustained success would be paramount in making this decision.

If you had to make a decision now, what would you do? Please answer in a paragraph or less.

Given the mixed results and the need for a clear pathway to success, I would lean towards exploring new coaching options. While Erik ten Hag has shown promise, the sharp decline in performance and the lack of consistency raise concerns about his ability to lead the team to sustained success. A fresh perspective and a coach who can instill a winning mentality, develop young talent and implement a cohesive playing style aligned with Manchester United's rich footballing tradition may be necessary to rebuild the team effectively and compete for top honors.

Which four managers would be on your shortlist to replace Ten Hag?

Creating a shortlist for a managerial position at a club like Manchester United requires considering various factors such as coaching philosophy, experience, track record of success and suitability to the club's culture. Based on these criteria, here are five managers who could be on the shortlist:

Julian Nagelsmann: Known for his tactical acumen and ability to develop young players, Nagelsmann has shown promise at RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich. His progressive style of play could resonate with Manchester United's ethos.

Massimiliano Allegri: A proven winner with Juventus, Allegri brings a wealth of experience in managing top clubs and navigating high-pressure situations. His tactical flexibility and focus on defensive solidity could address United's recent shortcomings.

Graham Potter: Despite managing at a lower-budget club like Brighton, Potter has earned plaudits for his tactical innovation and ability to maximize his squad's potential. His emphasis on playing attractive football while prioritizing youth development aligns with United's values.

Diego Simeone: A departure from the possession-based style often associated with United, Simeone's defensive organization and winning mentality could bring a different dimension to the team. His success at Atletico Madrid showcases his ability to compete at the highest level.

Each of these managers brings unique strengths and could contribute to Manchester United's resurgence in different ways, depending on the direction and vision the club wants to pursue.

Of these options, it seems like Potter and Allegri would be the two realistic ones. The former was fired by Chelsea last season, the latter by Juventus this past week. Of those two, who would you prefer? And why?

Between Potter and Allegri, my preference would lean towards Allegri for several reasons:

Track Record of Success: Allegri has a proven track record of success at the highest level, winning multiple Serie A titles and reaching Champions League finals with Juventus. His experience in managing a top club with high expectations could be valuable in navigating the pressures of a club like Manchester United.

Tactical Flexibility: Allegri is known for his tactical flexibility, [ability] to adapt his strategies based on the strengths of his squad and the demands of specific matches. This adaptability could be crucial in addressing the tactical challenges United may face in the Premier League and Champions League.

Defensive Organization: One of Allegri's strengths is his ability to organize a team defensively without sacrificing attacking prowess. Given United's recent defensive struggles, Allegri's expertise in this area could lead to a more balanced and solid team overall.

Experience with Top Players: Allegri has managed some of the best players in the world during his time at Juventus, including Cristiano Ronaldo. This experience could be beneficial in handling the star-studded squad at Manchester United and getting the best out of individual talents.

Proven Leadership: Allegri's leadership qualities and ability to manage big personalities have been praised by players and pundits alike. Establishing a strong team culture and instilling a winning mentality are crucial aspects of rebuilding a team like Manchester United.

While Graham Potter has shown promise with his tactical approach and ability to maximize resources at clubs like Brighton, Allegri's extensive experience at the highest level of European football and his proven track record of success make him a compelling choice for the job.

Allegri is the man our A.I. chose to lead Man United. So ... what should he do once hired? Image Photo Agency/Getty Images

Allegri it is, then! After bringing in the manager, it seems like you'll need to figure out what players you're going to keep at the club. Anthony Martial, Raphaël Varane and Jonny Evans are all out of contract. The club has the option to pay around £21 million to make the loan deal for Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat permanent. He'll be 28 in August and started 10 league games this season. Will you sign him permanently or not? Please be succinct.

Given the need to strengthen the squad and Amrabat's age and performance, I would opt not to sign him permanently.

In the most recent accounting, United had the fourth-highest revenue of any club in the world. They also finished with a negative goal differential in the Premier League for the first time in their history. Do you see this being a summer of minor changes to the squad, or will there be a lot of turnover?

With Manchester United's financial strength and the need for on-field improvement, I anticipate a significant turnover in the squad rather than minor changes. The negative goal differential signals underlying issues that require addressing through strategic signings and possibly departures to create a more balanced and competitive team.

All right, let's start with departures. Who, from this list, would you try to move on this summer?

Keepers: André Onana, Altay Bayindir

Center backs: Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Victor Lindelöf, WIlly Kambwala

Fullbacks: Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Midfielders: Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro, Scott McTominay, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen

Forwards: Antony, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Amad Diallo

From the list provided, here are the players I would consider moving out this summer:

Diogo Dalot: Given the depth at fullback and Dalot's desire for regular playing time, moving him could be beneficial for both parties.

Victor Lindelof: While a capable defender, Lindelof has faced criticism for inconsistency. If a suitable offer comes in and United can secure a replacement, it might make sense to do so.

Kobbie Mainoo: If Mainoo is not seen as part of the first-team plans and there's interest from other clubs, offloading him could be a good move.

Christian Eriksen: Although a recent signing, Eriksen's fitness concerns and potential impact on squad harmony could make him a candidate for departure if a suitable offer arises.

These decisions would be based on squad balance, performance, potential replacements and financial considerations.

Let's be conservative here and say Dalot goes for £12m, Lindelof for £20m and Eriksen for £10m in fees. That's £42m of transfer profit. (You're not going to move Mainoo unless you want to cause a riot.) Given that and United's relatively massive revenue, how much money do you plan to spend this summer?

With £42 million in transfer profit and Manchester United's substantial revenue, I would plan to allocate a significant budget for squad improvements. Considering the need to address key areas such as midfield depth, defensive reinforcements and potentially adding attacking options, a budget of around £100-150m could be reasonable to secure quality signings and strengthen the squad effectively. This would allow for targeted investments in areas where the team needs to improve while also accounting for potential inflation in the transfer market and negotiating competitive fees for incoming players.

All right, you're going to spend £150m this summer. How many players will you sign and what positions do you think need targeting?

With a budget of £150m, I would aim to sign approximately 3-4 key players to address specific areas of need and strengthen the squad overall. The positions that would be targeted for reinforcement include:

Central Defensive Midfielder: A strong defensive midfielder with the ability to shield the defense, break up opposition attacks and distribute the ball effectively would be a priority. This player would provide stability and protection to the backline while allowing more freedom for the attacking players.

Central Defender: Another quality center-back to partner with Harry Maguire or provide competition and depth in the position would be crucial. This player should possess good defensive awareness, aerial ability and the capacity to play out from the back.

Attacking Midfielder/Creative Playmaker: With the potential departure of Christian Eriksen and the need for creativity in midfield, signing an attacking midfielder or creative playmaker who can unlock defenses, provide assists and contribute goals would be beneficial.

Winger/Forward: Depending on the tactical approach and the current squad's dynamics, a versatile winger or forward who can provide width, pace and goal-scoring threat would add depth and options in the attacking third.

By strategically targeting these positions with quality signings, Manchester United can address key weaknesses, enhance squad depth and build a competitive team capable of challenging for major honors in the Premier League and Champions League.

OK, let's get into some specifics. Who's on your five-man shortlist for central defensive midfielder?

[Editor's note: ChatGPT suggested a number of players like Declan Rice, who are not available or way too expensive to acquire or both. After some back and forth, it landed here.]

My apologies for the oversight. A realistic candidate could be Sander Berge (Sheffield United/Napoli). Berge had shown promise as a defensive midfielder with Sheffield United before his move to Napoli. He possesses good defensive instincts, physical presence and passing ability, making him a well-rounded midfielder who could strengthen Manchester United's midfield.

Berge's experience in the Premier League and potential for further development could make him a suitable target for the central defensive midfield position within the specified budget range. Given Sander Berge's age, Premier League experience and potential, his transfer fee could range anywhere from £15m to £25m, depending on the negotiations between clubs and market conditions.

Let's say you're paying £20m for Berge, who has never played for Napoli and is joining from Burnley. You'd initially budgeted £40-50m for this position and £150m total for all four positions you want to acquire. So you have a little more to work with now. Who would you try to sign at center back and for how much money?

[ChatGPT first suggested Barcelona's Jules Koundé, and then Aston Villa's Pau Torres, before landing here.]

Another viable option for the center-back position within the budget range could be Milan Škriniar (Inter Milan): an estimated transfer fee would be in the region of £30-35m. Škriniar is a highly regarded center-back known for his defensive solidity, aerial prowess and ability to read the game. He has been a key player for Inter Milan and has experience at the highest level, including in the Champions League.

Škriniar's attributes make him a strong candidate to bolster Manchester United's defense, providing reliability and leadership at the back.

OK, so that's Berge and PSG's (not Inter's) Škriniar for, we'll say, £50m combined. That gives you £100 million to spread around for your playmaker and your winger/forward. Who do you want to sign as your attacking midfielder/playmaker?

[First, ChatGPT suggested James Maddison, James Ward-Prowse and, ironically, former United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer.]

Aouar has been a steady creative presence in big European leagues, but is A.I. right that he's a good addition for United this offseason? Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Here's another candidate within the budget range: Houssem Aouar (Olympique Lyonnais), for an estimated transfer fee of £35-45m.

Aouar is a highly talented midfielder known for his dribbling ability, vision and creativity. He has been impressive in Ligue 1 and has caught the attention of several top clubs with his performances.

If you get Aouar (who plays for Roma now) for £35m, you'd have £65m to sign a winger/forward. Before we get there, are you planning on keeping Jadon Sancho at the club? He had a falling out with Erik ten Hag, and that led to Sancho going on loan to Borussia Dortmund, where he has occasionally starred for a club that has made it all the way to the Champions League final. In a paragraph or less, tell me whether Jadon Sancho will be playing for your Manchester United team in the 2024-25 season.

Yes, Jadon Sancho will be part of the Manchester United team for the 2024-25 season. After assessing his situation, resolving any issues and seeing his positive contributions during his loan spell, I believe he can play a significant role in the team's rebuilding process and contribute to our success in the upcoming season.

Before we get to the new players, what can you learn from the disastrous Antony signing? He's the second-most-expensive signing in club history, and despite being an attacker, he has scored five goals and registered three assists in two seasons.

The Antony signing highlights several important lessons for player recruitment and squad building:

Scouting and Assessment: Thorough scouting and assessment of a player's attributes, playing style, adaptability to the league, and potential impact on the team are crucial before making a significant investment. It's essential to consider how a player's skills and characteristics align with the team's needs and playing philosophy.

Integration and Adaptation: The success of a player often depends on how well they integrate into the team's system, culture and dynamics. Adequate support, guidance and time to adapt to a new environment can significantly impact a player's performance and contributions.

Performance Expectations: Clear performance expectations and goals should be set for new signings, taking into account their position, role within the team and the level of impact expected. Monitoring and evaluating a player's progress regularly can help identify areas for improvement and adjustments.

Player Development: Continuous player development and improvement strategies should be implemented to help players reach their full potential and contribute effectively to the team's success. This includes providing access to coaching, training facilities and support services tailored to individual needs.

 : Balancing the financial aspect of player acquisitions with on-field performance and value for money is crucial. Evaluating the long-term impact of high-value signings on the squad's overall balance, wage structure and transfer strategy is essential for sustainable success.

Overall, the Antony signing underscores the importance of thorough planning, evaluation, support mechanisms and ongoing development initiatives to maximize the success of new signings and enhance the team's competitiveness.

Antony is a player that our machine learning model didn't want to keep at Man United. Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

OK, presumably you're moving on from Antony and bringing Sancho back. You've got £65m for a forward or a winger. Who do you want?

[Surely just a result of its random language-matching -- and not part of some kind of deep-programmed or, scarier yet, learned dark humor -- the A.I. first suggested that United sign Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus. I pointed out that the club had just acquired another Serie A striker for a similar fee last summer, and ChatGPT decided it was best not to turn "Ajax Manchester" into "Juventus Manchester."]

OK, so where else will you invest that remaining £65m?

With the remaining £65m, I would prioritize investing in the following areas:

Central Midfielder: Acquiring a dynamic and creative central midfielder to provide depth and quality in midfield. This player should have the ability to control the tempo, contribute defensively and create scoring opportunities.

Fullback: Strengthening the fullback positions with an emphasis on either the right-back or left-back role, depending on the squad's current needs and potential departures. A fullback with defensive solidity, attacking prowess and the ability to contribute in both phases of play would be valuable.

Backup Goalkeeper: Adding a reliable backup goalkeeper to provide competition for the starting role and cover in case of injuries or suspensions. A goalkeeper with experience, good shot-stopping abilities and distribution skills would enhance the squad's depth in goalkeeping.

By strategically allocating the remaining budget across these areas, Manchester United can address key areas of need, enhance squad depth and build a competitive team capable of challenging for honors in domestic and European competitions.

Let's say you have £65m total to spend on a fullback and a midfielder. Who would you target?

With £65m allocated for a fullback and a midfielder, I would target the following players:

Fullback -- Max Aarons (Norwich City)

Aarons is a highly talented right-back known for his pace, attacking contributions and defensive capabilities. He has experience playing in the Premier League and has impressed with his performances for Norwich City.

Estimated Transfer Fee: £30-35 million. Aarons would provide quality competition and cover for the right-back position, adding depth and an attacking threat to Manchester United's defensive line.

[After dissuading the A.I. from moves for Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch and Franck Kessié, it made another one of these suggestions that I know is random but has just enough irony behind it to give me pause for a couple of seconds to wonder whether this thing was winking at me. I hadn't mentioned Jim Ratcliffe yet, and it still recommended a player from Nice.]

Given the need for an affordable and talented central midfielder, I would target: Khephren Thuram (OGC Nice).

Thuram is a promising young midfielder known for his physical presence, ball-carrying ability and versatility. He has been impressive in Ligue 1 and has the potential to develop further.

Estimated Transfer Fee: £30-40 million. Thuram would add depth, energy and quality to Manchester United's midfield, complementing the existing players and providing a strong presence in the center of the park.

OK, so we've landed on the following departures and acquisitions. The players leaving: Christian Eriksen, Diogo Dalot and Victor Lindelof. And the players arriving: Sander Berge, Milan Škriniar, Houssem Aouar, Max Aarons and Kephren Thuram. Jadon Sancho will be back from his loan, while it seems like you don't view Antony as a viable contributor, and then Anthony Martial, Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans and Sofyan Amrabat will have also left the club.

So let's start with the formation. Don't tell me the players, but what system will Max Allegri play?

Max Allegri is known for his tactical flexibility, but he often prefers formations that provide a strong defensive foundation while allowing for attacking creativity. Considering the players available and the new acquisitions, a likely formation would be 4-2-3-1. This system would provide:

Defensive Stability: With four defenders, including fullbacks who can support both defense and attack.

Midfield Control: Two central midfielders (one defensive and one box-to-box) to control the game and provide balance.

Attacking Flexibility: An attacking trio behind a lone striker, offering width and central creativity, allowing for dynamic attacking plays.

This formation aligns with Allegri's approach of balancing solid defense with effective attacking options, adapting to the strengths of the squad.

[From here, ChatGPT and I went back-and-forth on the likely starting XI. Despite its stated commitment to youth development, ChatGPT sees its new and older signings displacing Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund in the starting XI.]

So, we've got André Onana in goal, Max Aarons at right back, Luke Shaw at left back and Lisandro Martinez and Milan Škriniar at center back. In midfield, it's Houssem Aouar and Sander Berge behind Bruno Fernandes. Up top: Jadon Sancho on the right, Alejandro Garnacho on the left and Marcus Rashford in the center. Some of the bench options: Harry Maguire and Willy Kambwala at CB; AWB and Malacia at fullback; Casemiro, Thuram, Mainoo and McTominay in the midfield; Mount at attacking midfield; and Hojlund and Diallo providing forward-line depth.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that United fans wouldn't be too excited by that summer. They'd want Mainoo and Hojlund starting, while Škriniar isn't particularly young, Berge has been relegated from the Premier League multiple times, Aouar and Aarons weren't consistent starters for their previous teams, and Thuram isn't even in your projected XI. What would you tell United supporters who don't quite understand your vision for the club?

I'd start by acknowledging their passion and concern for the club, as that's what makes football so special. I'd explain that the decisions made are part of a broader strategy aimed at building a competitive and sustainable team for the future. Here's how I might approach the conversation:

"I completely understand your passion for the club, and I share that passion as well. What we're doing is looking at the bigger picture and laying down foundations for sustained success. We've brought in players who not only have quality but also fit into a cohesive system. Players like Aarons, Aouar and Berge might not have been the biggest names on everyone's radar, but they bring a blend of talent, versatility and hunger that can elevate our team.

"We're also investing in youth development and giving opportunities to players like Mainoo and Hojlund, who have shown great potential. It's about striking the right balance between experience and youth, ensuring that we have depth and competition in every position.

"I understand that not every decision may seem glamorous at first glance, but trust in the process. Football is about building, evolving and overcoming challenges together as a team and as a community. I believe in our vision, and I'm confident that with your support, we'll achieve great things for our beloved club."

Given that you are a large-language model and not an actual human being, you may not be aware that a new group, led by Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, will be overseeing United's football operations this summer. The club hasn't won a title since 2013. What advice would you have for the people who have to do the real-life version of the theoretical exercise you just went through?

For the new group led by Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS overseeing Manchester United's football operations this summer, here are some pieces of advice:

1. Define Clear Objectives: Set clear short-term and long-term objectives for the club, including targets for domestic and European competitions. Establishing a vision and roadmap will guide decision-making and resource allocation.

2. Assess Squad Needs: Conduct a thorough assessment of the squad's strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement. Identify key positions that require reinforcement and prioritize strategic signings that align with the club's playing style and philosophy.

3. Strategic Recruitment: Invest in players who not only possess talent but also have the right attitude, work ethic and commitment to the club's values. Focus on building a balanced squad with depth in each position, allowing for healthy competition and flexibility in tactical approaches.

4. Youth Development: Emphasize youth development and talent identification as integral parts of the club's strategy. Invest in academy programs, scouting networks and opportunities for young players to progress and contribute to the first team.

5. Managerial Support: Provide strong support and resources to the coaching staff and manager, ensuring they have the tools and backing to implement their vision and tactics effectively. Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.

6. Engage with Fans: Foster open communication and engagement with the fan base, acknowledging their passion, feedback and expectations. Transparency and dialogue can strengthen the connection between the club, its supporters and the wider community.

7. Long-Term Planning: Balance short-term ambitions with long-term sustainability. Make decisions that prioritize the club's financial stability, infrastructure development and long-term success, rather than short-term fixes or quick solutions.

8. Adapt and Evolve: Football is dynamic, and the landscape can change rapidly. Be adaptable and willing to evolve strategies, tactics and approaches based on performance, market trends and competitive challenges.

By following these guidelines, the new leadership at Manchester United can navigate the complexities of football management, maximize the club's potential and work towards achieving success on and off the pitch.

Thank you for your time -- any last words?

You're welcome! If I had one last thing to say, it would be to stay positive and keep supporting the team through thick and thin. Football is full of ups and downs, but it's the passion and unity of the fans that truly make the sport special. Here's to a bright future for Manchester United and all its supporters!

- Ryan O'Hanlon, ESPN.com writer

GOOGLE DEEPMIND UNVEILS AI FOOTBALLS TACTICS COACH HONED WITH LIVERPOOL

Human experts prefer TacticAI’s suggested positional improvements at corner kicks

 

Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas takes a corner during the team’s match against Sparta Praha on March 14 © Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Google DeepMind has developed a prototype artificial intelligence football tactician in collaboration with Premier League club Liverpool, in the latest push to use the technology to master the ebb and flow of big-money sports.

The computerised coach’s suggested improvements to players’ positions at corner kicks — a large potential source of goals — mostly won approval from human experts, according to a paper published in Nature Communications on Tuesday.

DeepMind, which has previously used its algorithms to crack difficult board games such as Go, said patterns seen on sports fields could also offer lessons on how to apply AI in other areas such as robotics and traffic co-ordination.

On the pitch, the company’s TacticAI system reflects both the possibilities and current limitations of intensive efforts to use AI to gain a sporting edge beyond that offered by existing data analysis methods.

The technology promises benefits in planning for situations with predictable starting points, such as corners. The wider task is to apply it to the richer variability of open play.

“What’s exciting about it from an AI perspective is that football is a very dynamic game with lots of unobserved factors that influence outcomes,” said Petar Veličković, a DeepMind researcher and co-author of the Nature paper. “It’s a really challenging problem.”

"The DeepMind project is the product of three years of work with Liverpool on deploying AI, including in areas such as penalty kicks and predicting movements of players.

DeepMind’s latest model uses geometric deep learning on a data set comprising 7,176 corner kicks from the English Premier League between 2020 and 2023. Corner kicks represent a significant opportunity for attacking teams: along with other so-called set pieces, such as free kicks, they account for about 30 per cent of all goals.

- Michael Peel, 

 

 

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) DESIGNED TROPHIES | VIA COSMINBECHEANU_ARTIST/IG

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WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT AI IN GRAND TURISMO 7

 

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