The former Spain coach reportedly relied on AI for lineups, substitutions, transfers, and travel logistics — raising concerns about the limits of technology in modern soccer
A shocking story from Russian soccer is sparking global debate about the role of artificial intelligence in football management. FC Sochi have dismissed head coach Robert Moreno after allegations emerged that he extensively used ChatGPT to manage nearly every aspect of the team.
The revelation was made by Andrei Orlov, former general director of the Russian club, who claimed Moreno depended on AI tools for team selection, in-game decisions, player recruitment, training methods, and even travel planning.
Robert Moreno, ChatGPT, and the Sochi Experiment
Moreno is no unknown figure in European soccer. The Spanish coach previously worked as Luis Enrique’s trusted assistant at Roma, Barcelona — where he was part of the treble-winning staff — and with the Spanish national team, which he briefly managed as head coach.
At Sochi, however, his approach reportedly crossed a line.
According to Orlov, ChatGPT became a central decision-making tool, influencing not only tactics but also motivational strategies. One AI-generated travel itinerary allegedly forced players to remain awake for nearly 28 hours during a long domestic trip to Khabarovsk.
“Everything looked perfectly planned,” Orlov said, “but the schedule ignored basic recovery needs.”
AI-Driven Transfers and Poor Results
Artificial intelligence may also have played a role in recruitment. The signing of Artur Shushenachev, a Kazakh striker loaned from Hapoel Be’er Sheva, was reportedly suggested by the AI system. The move failed to deliver results, with the forward recording ten appearances without a goal.
On the field, Sochi’s performances quickly deteriorated. Moreno was dismissed after six defeats and one draw, leaving the club rooted at the bottom of the table.
Technology in Soccer: Innovation or Overreach?
Data analytics and AI tools are now common in elite soccer, particularly in scouting and performance analysis. However, the Sochi case highlights the risks of overreliance on automation without human oversight.
While AI can support coaching decisions, Sochi’s experience suggests that replacing judgment, experience, and player management with algorithms may come at a high cost.
For FC Sochi, the experiment ended abruptly. For the wider soccer world, it raises a crucial question: how far is too far when it comes to artificial intelligence in football?
