List of All Articles with Tag 'football'

Referees could be replaced by robots within the next 30 years, an expert in the field believes. Artificial intelligence is already prominent in officiating, with the use of VAR and goalline technology, but it is expected to heavily increase in the future. With more high-quality data available, it could be possible for matches to be officiated by an AI-powered machine, taking away the need for an on-field human referee. “Computer vision will be more and more effective in the next few years and the number of cameras on the pitch will only increase,” Aldo Comi, chief executive of leading global football analytics provider Soccerment, told the PA news agency. “The amount of data that is tagged and the quality of the models that are trained with that data will increase exponentially and thanks to that you will have AI models that can make refereeing decisions on the back of what they see on the pitch. “So we might get to the point where we don’t need a referee at all. “Before that, you will maybe have a referee but not linesmen, maybe they will be the first to disappear from the game. And you will have the referee connected to the virtual assistant, guiding them to make better decisions. “Ultimately in a matter of 20 or 30 years probably the referee will be just an AI. I am not saying this is positive, I’m just saying it is likely to happen.” The increase of AI and machine learning in football will not be restricted to officiating and it is already present in the game. The use of data analytics have helped the likes of Brighton and Brentford disrupt the established Premier League hierarchy as they have unearthed high-quality signings which they have sold on for significant profits. But the improvement in the integration of data could see managers using a virtual coach to help them with team selection and tactics. “AI can become a source of new ways of thinking about the game in the next few years,” Comi added. “If you give AI enough high-quality data, you will have the possibility to have a virtual assistant, which will have a better understanding of what is going on the pitch. Ultimately in a matter of 20 or 30 years probably the referee will be just an AI Aldo Comi, CEO of data analtyics company Soccerment “By having the data analysed by AI you can train models to better understand what will happen in the future, for example understanding the probabilities of what is happening in the next five or 10 minutes. “By having this predictive analytics, the AI can give you a so-called prescriptive analytics. It says, ‘Things are expected to go this way, in order to improve your chances I have 10 ideas’. “That could be swapping two players or changing the structure of the team. “The things that the AI suggests will be filtered by the assistant coach and then pass on the information to the manager and it will be up to him to accept. “There will be AI, but not replacing professionals, but it is more of a high-quality support. The clubs that can get this sport will outperform the ones that refrain from having it.” Comi, whose company serve several Serie A and Serie B clubs, says that people will need to learn to trust AI but the evidence of it working is already out there. He added: “It will take time to trust, but in the same way with data analytics, there are enough positive cases to say that you can out-perform the others, we have seen it with Brentford and Brighton. “The advantage that AI can give you is X times more important than data analytics.” :: Soccerment has launched a new platform, xvalue.ai, which has introduced never seen before metrics such as Gegenpressing Intensity (GPI), Expected Offensive Value Added (xOVA), Gegenpressing Efficiency (GPE) and BuildUp Disruption Percentage (BDP%), providing users with more data insights than ever before. For more details visit www.soccerment.com Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Football rumours: Al-Ittihad set to make record £215m bid for Mohamed Salah Joe McCarthy delighted after wrestling his way into Ireland’s World Cup squad On This Day in 2020: Ian Bell announces intention to retire from cricket

What the papers say Mohamed Salah is again in the spotlight with Saudi side Al-Ittihad gearing up to make a mammoth £215million bid for the Egypt forward, the Sun reports. Liverpool are said to be reluctant to let the prolific 31-year-old go, but their resolve could be tested with the world-record offer . The Daily Mail reports West Ham are looking to make a short-term contract offer for free agent Jesse Lingard, who has impressed club bosses at training. The most likely offer would be an incentivised deal until the end of the season with an option to extend. Fulham duo Joao Palhinha and Tosin Adarabioyo could see their moves away from the club revived in January, the Mail says. Palhinha saw a potential transfer to Bayern Munich fall through on deadline day and it was a similar story for Adarabioyo with Monaco, but both moves could yet still happen during the next transfer window. Social media round-up Players to watch Hugo Lloris: The Evening Standard says the Tottenham goalkeeper is set to remain at the club until at least January. Kasper Schmeichel: Anderlecht are chasing the Denmark goalkeeper after he parted ways with Nice last week. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

The No. 9 Clemson Tigers started off the 2023 season in the worst way possible, losing 28-7 to the Duke Blue Devils.

Duke quarterback Riley Leonard gave the Blue Devils a third-quarter lead over the No. 9 Clemson Tigers with an incredible touchdown run.

Manchester United winger Antony has denied accusations of physical aggression towards his former girlfriend, which have seen him dropped from the Brazil squad. In an interview with Brazilian website UOL – which also published photographs and screenshots of messages between the pair – Gabriela Cavallin claims she was attacked by Antony “with a headbutt” in a Manchester hotel room on January 15, leaving her with a cut head which needed treatment from a doctor. Cavallin, a social media influencer, also alleges she was punched in the chest by Antony, which she claims caused damage to a silicone breast implant which required corrective surgery back in Brazil. Another alleged incident is claimed to have taken place at a house on May 8, with Cavallin saying she suffered a cut finger while trying to protect herself, accusing Brazil international Antony of throwing a glass cup towards her as well as then taking her passport. Cavallin is said to have filed a report to the Sao Paulo Civil Police concerning allegations of physical and verbal abuse by Antony while on holiday in Brazil during June 2022, when she was pregnant, as well as making a separate complaint to Greater Manchester Police (GMP). Writing on Instagram, Antony, who signed for United from Ajax in an £85.5million deal in September 2022, protested his innocence in response to what he called “false accusations”. “Out of respect for my fans, friends and family, I feel obliged to speak out publicly about the false accusations I have been the victim of,” Antony said. “From the beginning I have treated this matter with seriousness and respect, providing the necessary clarifications before the police authority. The police investigation is under judicial secrecy, and therefore I cannot make its contents public. “However, I can calmly state that the accusations are false and that the evidence already produced and the other evidence that will be produced demonstrate that I am innocent of the accusations made. “My relationship with Gabriela was tumultuous, with verbal insults from both sides, but I never committed any physical aggression. “At each moment, whether in testimony or in an interview, she presents a different version of the accusations. I trust that the ongoing police investigations will demonstrate the truth about my innocence. Brazil international Antony “Therefore, I come to vehemently deny the accusations made and inform you that I remain at the entire disposal of the Brazilian authorities to clarify whatever is necessary. “I trust that the ongoing police investigations will demonstrate the truth about my innocence.” In a statement to Telegraph Sport, GMP said: “Greater Manchester Police is aware of the allegations made and enquiries remain ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding this report. We will not be commenting any further at this time.” Manchester United had no comment on the matter when contacted by the PA news agency on Monday evening. Following the emergence of the allegations, Brazil confirmed Antony had been withdrawn from the squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru, with Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus called up as a replacement. “Due to the facts that became public this Monday, involving striker Antony, from Manchester United, and which need to be investigated, and in order to preserve the alleged victim, the player, the Brazilian team and the CBF, the entity informs that the athlete has been withdrawn from the Brazilian team,” a statement from the Brazilian Football Confederation read. “To replace him, coach Fernando Diniz called Gabriel Jesus, who was pre-selected on a list of 36 players, sent to FIFA.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Tottenham duo Davinson Sanchez and Tanguy Ndombele join Galatasaray Steve Borthwick says out-of-form England will persist with their current tactics Bastien Chalureau says he is ‘not a racist’ following France World Cup call-up

College Football has been hit with a new wave of ads. What are fans saying about the new influx of capitalism?

Spain’s men’s national team have condemned the “unacceptable behaviour” of Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales, but called for unity as they focus on upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers. Rubiales has been provisionally suspended by FIFA for an initial period of 90 days, pending an investigation into his behaviour at the World Cup final when he kissed Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy and medals presentation. Hermoso has said she did not consent to the kiss, and along with her 22 team-mates, has said she will not play for the national team until Rubiales – who has refused to quit – resigns. On Monday, the Spanish men’s team called an impromptu press conference where Alvaro Morata read a statement on behalf of the squad alongside fellow senior captains Marco Asensio, Cesar Azpilicueta and Rodri, which was also released on the Spanish Football Federation website. “Once in Las Rozas (training base), the national team players want to emphasise several issues regarding recent events that have harmed the image of Spanish football,” the statement read. “First and foremost, we want to convey, once again, our pride and heartfelt congratulations to the women’s national team for winning the World Cup in Sydney. “It’s a historic milestone filled with significance that will mark a before and after in Spanish women’s football, inspiring countless women with an invaluable triumph. “Therefore, we want to express our regret and solidarity with the players whose success has been tarnished. “We want to reject what we consider unacceptable behaviour on the part of Mr Rubiales, who has not lived up to the institution he represents. “We firmly and unequivocally stand on the side of the values that this sport represents. Spanish football must be a driving force for respect, inspiration, inclusion, and diversity and must set an example with its behaviour both on and off the field.” “Starting today, we face a crucial training camp for the future of Spanish football on our path to qualify for Euro 2024 with two matches against Georgia and Cyprus. “We would like to focus on sporting matters from now on, considering the importance of the challenges ahead.” Spain manager Luis de la Fuente had previously apologised for applauding when Rubiales told RFEF’s extraordinary general meeting he would not be resigning in the wake of the controversy. As well as his post-match conduct during the medal ceremony, Rubiales, 46, had also grabbed his crotch in the stadium’s VIP area in celebration, when he was stood metres away from Spain’s Queen Letizia and her teenage daughter. The RFEF regional heads have also called for Rubiales’ resignation, while members of the Spanish government have added their voices to those demanding he steps aside. Read More Luis Rubiales speaks out to ‘continue defending myself’ over kiss scandal Spain's men's coach asks for forgiveness for applauding Rubiales' diatribe against 'false feminists' Lionesses captain Leah Williamson labels Luis Rubiales kiss ‘disgusting’ Sergio Ramos returns to boyhood club Sevilla on one-year deal Eddie Howe admits Brighton defeat is a warning to Newcastle Premier League summer spending exceeds £2bn for the first time

Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold have been ruled out of England’s upcoming fixtures against Ukraine and Scotland. The Football Association confirmed both players had reported to England’s St George’s Park base on Monday. However, the pair were then withdrawn from the squad following checks on injuries sustained prior to arriving at camp. No further call-ups are expected, with Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier scheduled to arrive on Wednesday owing to a personal commitment. England face Ukraine in Wroclaw on Saturday before taking on Scotland in Glasgow in a friendly on September 12. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Sergio Ramos has returned to boyhood club Sevilla after signing a one-year deal with the Andalusian club. The 37-year-old former Spain and Real Madrid captain, a free agent after leaving Paris St Germain in June, has returned to Sevilla 18 years after leaving to join Real Madrid. Sevilla announced on their official website that Ramos had passed a medical on Monday morning before signing a 12-month contract. LaLiga club Sevilla said: “Sevilla FC have reached an agreement for the signing of Sergio Ramos. “The academy graduate is returning to the club 18 years after he signed for Real Madrid in 2005, aged 19.” Ramos progressed through Sevilla’s academy, making his first-team debut as an 18-year-old, and went on to make 49 appearances in all competitions before joining Real Madrid in 2005 for £23million. He scored 101 goals in 671 appearances in total for Madrid during a trophy-laden 16 years, which included five LaLiga titles and four Champions League wins, before joining PSG on a two-year deal in 2021. Ramos, who won two Ligue 1 titles with PSG, made a record 180 appearances for Spain, scoring 23 goals, and won both the World Cup, in 2010, and the European Championship, twice, in 2008 and 2012. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Eric Ramsay has stepped down from his role as Wales assistant coach due to family reasons and work commitments at Manchester United. Ramsay only joined the Wales coaching staff in March, with boss Rob Page welcoming the appointment by saying: “Eric is arguably one of the best young coaches in football at this moment in time.” But the 31-year-old, who hails from mid-Wales and worked at Swansea, Shrewsbury and Chelsea before being appointed as a set-piece coach at United in 2021, lasted just six months in the role in what has been a difficult Euro 2024 qualifying campaign for the Dragons. “The FAW can confirm that Eric Ramsay has stepped down as assistant coach due to personal reasons,” read a statement from the Football Association of Wales. “Family commitments and his current role as first team coach at Manchester United mean that Ramsay will be unable to continue his work with Cymru. “Rob Page and the FAW would like to thank Eric for his work with the team and wish him well for the future.” Ramsay said: “This has been an extremely difficult decision to make but it is the right one for myself and my family after the recent birth of our second child and taking into consideration the intensity of my role at Manchester United. “Having discussed everything with my family, Rob and the association, we came to the conclusion that it was best to depart my role before the upcoming internationals so that the group can fully concentrate on the fixtures. “I’m extremely thankful to everyone at FA Wales; the experiences throughout the last six months have been amongst the proudest moments of my career to date. “It was a real pleasure to work with this group of players and I wish everyone nothing but success going forward.” Sheffield United first-team coach Jack Lester has replaced Ramsey and joined the Wales camp ahead of their two September games. Wales host South Korea in a Cardiff friendly on Thursday before travelling to Latvia for a crunch Euro 2024 qualifier next Monday. Page’s side have an uphill task to qualify automatically for the European Championship finals in Germany next summer after taking only four points from as many games. Wales are currently fourth in Group D ahead of meeting bottom team Latvia in Riga. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Evangelos Marinakis wants Nottingham Forest to be ‘a dominant force’ once again Tottenham duo Davinson Sanchez and Tanguy Ndombele set for moves to Galatasaray Man arrested after Roy Keane allegedly headbutted at Emirates Stadium

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis says his club are on a path to becoming a “dominant force in English football”. After securing survival in their first Premier League season in 23 years last term, Forest are looking to kick on and have made a decent start, winning two of their four opening games, including a 1-0 win at Chelsea on Saturday. Marinakis has again invested heavily, with a splurge of signings on transfer deadline day as seven players arrived at the City Ground. Divock Origi, Ibrahim Sangare, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Nicolas Dominguez were among those and Forest now look to have a much stronger squad than last year. And Marinakis, who has also made a significant investment in the club’s infrastructure, wants to see his club back at the top table of English football. “Our vision for the club is clear and unwavering: we are on a path to re-establish Nottingham Forest as a dominant force in English football,” he said in a letter to fans. “This journey is not just about the short-term, it’s about building a sustainable future. We are investing in youth development, nurturing young talent, and building a squad that can compete at the highest level for years to come. “The players we have brought in are fighters and winners who understand and believe in our vision for the future of this great club. “When players of the talents of those we have brought in this summer choose Nottingham Forest over the other dominant European clubs chasing their signatures, you should know that they choose us because we have shared with them our vision and they have fully invested in what it is we want to achieve.” Forest were able to recoup over £45million on Brennan Johnson, who was sold to Tottenham, and Marinakis paid tribute to a player who came through the City Ground ranks. “He is the ultimate young professional and his contributions to the club he loves have been enormous – helping us achieve promotion back to the Premier League and instrumental in helping us retain that status on the final home game of last season,” the owner added. “In moving to Tottenham Hotspur he has also provided his boyhood club with the financial means to reinvest and continue to grow. “We thank him for being part of our family and giving so much of himself to us. Go well, Brennan, be strong and healthy and we wish you every success.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Tottenham duo Davinson Sanchez and Tanguy Ndombele set for moves to Galatasaray Man arrested after Roy Keane allegedly headbutted at Emirates Stadium Premier League playing time for England-qualified players drops again

A 42-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault after football pundit Roy Keane was reportedly headbutted at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. Footage was posted on social media of fellow Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards pinning a man against a wall in the moments after the alleged assault on Sunday. The Metropolitan Police refused to identify anyone involved in the incident, but issued a statement that said: “Police are investigating an incident at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, September 3, during which a man was assaulted. “On Monday, September 4, a 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault (ABH). The man has been taken into police custody. “Enquiries are ongoing.” Sky confirmed that Richards had attempted to “defuse” the situation after the alleged assault following Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Manchester United. A spokeswoman said: “We understand the police are investigating an alleged assault by a member of the public immediately preceding the footage circulating on social media. “In the footage seen, Micah Richards was acting to defuse a situation.” Any witnesses or those with information can contact the Metropolitan Police on 101 quoting the reference CAD 6961/3 Sept. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live