This upcoming season, set to begin in just 11 days, brings a major technological development that marks a departure from previous years. The key innovation is the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the evaluation of referees' performances in both the First and Second Divisions. This AI system will play a role in weekly referee assignments as well as in the final rankings of referees for promotion and relegation decisions.
According to information obtained by Mundo Deportivo, the new Referees’ Technical Committee (CTA), headed by Fran Soto, has already informed referees, assistant referees, and other officials about this change during the preseason training camp that began seven days ago in Las Caldas, Asturias. The message has also been conveyed to the match observers - officials historically responsible for evaluating referees’ performances - during a dedicated meeting ahead of the new season. Initially, AI will contribute 30% to the overall assessment of referee performances, with a particular focus on two key areas: fouls and yellow cards. It remains to be seen whether this percentage will remain fixed or increase as the season progresses. The CTA, RFEF, and LaLiga have established an Expert Committee to oversee the implementation of AI in officiating this season. These experts will have advisory roles, as they do not hold voting power under the new officiating regulations. As Mundo Deportivo previously reported, coach José Ángel ‘Cuco’ Ziganda was the latest addition to this committee, which also includes Sevilla FC as a club representative, former player Álvaro Negredo, and three former referees: Gregorio Bernabé, José Luis Lesma, and Marcos Álvarez. This finalized committee will work alongside LaLiga and the CTA’s Technical Commission using LaLiga’s AI tools. Together, they will be responsible for setting the criteria and parameters for evaluating referees' performances in conjunction with the reports from the match delegates. Although the committee has not yet held its first official meeting, it will begin its work with the AI’s contribution accounting for 30% of the overall referee assessment.
Source: Mundo Deportivo