Spanish football could soon take a new step in its modernization. According to several local media, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is seriously planning to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the process of appointing the referees for the Liga matches.
This initiative is part of the work of the arbitral system reform commission, a body recently set up by the RFEF to rethink the management of arbitration in depth. Bringing together club representatives, the Technical Committee of Arbitrators and other actors in national football, this commission is working on several avenues aimed at strengthening transparency and equity in arbitral decisions.
The idea of automating the appointment of referees via artificial intelligence was well received during the last meeting of the Commission. The Liga even presented a detailed report, suggesting that AI could analyze a complex set of data and statistics – such as past performance, physical form, or even possible conflicts of interest – to determine the referees best suited to each meeting.
In parallel, the RFEF intends to submit to FIFA an official request to test a new technological device called “Football Video Support” (FVS). This system would offer coaches the possibility of contesting certain arbitration decisions during the match, like the challenges already used in sports such as tennis or American football. It would constitute an alternative to the Var, while strengthening the fairness of the game.
The next meeting of the reform committee is scheduled for April 30, and could mark a decisive turning point towards a digital overhaul of arbitration in Spain.
