Russia to Use AI to Assign Referees in Sports Matches

Russia is introducing a nationwide AI system to select sports referees, aiming to boost transparency, reduce bias, and enable public oversight.

Artificial intelligence will soon play a central role in assigning referees to sports events in Russia. The system will operate under a unified national platform for sports officiating, which will centralize referee appointments across leagues and disciplines. According to Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyaryov, AI algorithms will be used to ensure maximum transparency and objectivity in assigning match officials.

Funding for the system will come from a shared model involving sports federations, leagues, and clubs. Every fan will be able to track referee appointments, creating a new layer of public accountability.

The rollout of digital tools in officiating is particularly important for millions of fans who expect fair and unbiased competition. By automating selections, the system is designed to minimize potential conflicts of interest.

Several Russian sports federations—including gymnastics—have already started integrating AI into their refereeing processes.

Another innovation, expected to be fully implemented by 2030, is the use of electronic athlete passports. These digital records will allow coaches to monitor training progress, adjust routines, and track injuries or preventive care, while medical professionals will have real-time access to recovery metrics.