In a recent interview, former German football referee Felix Brych expressed his thoughts on the increasing use of artificial intelligence in the sport. While acknowledging the potential of AI in officiating, he does not believe that human referees will be completely replaced.
Brych, who has a strong background in the sport, having refereed in the Champions League and being a multiple-time winner of the German and World Referee of the Year awards, emphasized the importance of human judgment in football. He believes that AI can be useful in calculating the likelihood of a player being in an offside position or in determining the severity of a foul, but he also recognizes the limitations of AI in decision-making.
The former referee recalled his own experiences in making difficult calls, often relying on his senses to make a decision. He noted that in situations where a player falls without being touched, the crowd and the players themselves would look to the referee for guidance, whereas in cases of a legitimate foul, the reaction would be delayed as the players assess the severity of the incident.
Brych, who is now set to lead the development of young referees at the German Football Association, expressed concerns about the retention of young officials in the sport. He believes that the high-pressure environment of professional football can be overwhelming, leading to a significant number of referees leaving the sport within their first year.
Despite his reservations, Brych is confident that human referees will continue to play a crucial role in the sport, citing the need for a referee to communicate effectively and maintain control of the game.