The emergence of artificial intelligence is already impacting world soccer, even with FIFA announcing its use in the next World Cup, but in Russia one case caused strong controversy. Robert Moreno, former coach of the Spain national team, was allegedly dismissed from his position at FC Sochi for having overused ChatGPT for the team's comprehensive planning.
The information was revealed by Andrei Orlov, former general director of the Russian club, who stated that the Spanish coach used AI to design trips, training sessions, and even match preparation. The dismissal took place last September, although the details emerged recently.
According to Orlov's account, one situation raised alarms within the coaching staff during the planning of an extensive trip to Khabarovsk. ChatGPT had allegedly suggested that the players remain awake for 28 hours as part of the work plan.
"I asked him: "Robert, everything's great, but when will the boys sleep?"", the executive recalled. After new parameters were entered, the presentation was modified and the team ultimately followed a schedule caused by AI, which demonstrated, according to Orlov, the coach's dependence on the tool.
The former executive also maintained that Moreno used ChatGPT to determine reinforcements. "Last summer, we were looking for a forward and we were choosing between Vladimir Pisarsky, Pavel Meleshin, and Artur Shushenachev. We wanted two. Due to Guarirapa's departure, we signed three. Moreno entered Pisarsky's, Meleshin's, and Shushenachev's data from Wyscout into ChatGPT. Shushenachev emerged as the best player according to GPT", he stated.
