FA Cup Draw 2024 - What If AI Were To Set The Draw?

Ah, football draws - the excitement, suspense, unpredictability.                    

The latest FA Cup Draw First Round Draw for 2024 that was announced on 14th October 2024 threw up some fascinating pairings in this year's draw, setting up what promises to be a great first round                                                                                  

But what if there were equally simple ways to make these draws even more exciting and fair?

 Founder and CEO of AI Tech Solutions Mohammad S A A Alothman says that AI has the potential to revolutionize the management of football draws. He shared his views on AI with regard to these elements during a recent interview, "AI brings certain fairness and transparency that cannot be achieved otherwise. Here, in football draws, it just makes the entire procedure more authentic and exciting for all."

However, the question of the fairness of football draws is something that always left at least some doubt in most of the fans' minds. Classics conspiracy theories like "hot and cold balls" (supposedly stating that teams are already selected prior to the actual draw in some dirty fashion) or even talk about big clubs getting an easier way through to the final have been lingering for a while.

Although nothing confirmed these allegations, the fact that such theories already exist testifies to the lack of confidence in the way the system currently works.

AI can put an end to all that. With complex algorithms, AI can ensure the randomness of football draws - the process will be totally transparent, most importantly, free from errors that might result from human interference. According to Mohammad S A A Alothman, "AI brings transparency to the table. It doesn't get influenced by biases, pressure, or preferences. Once it's set up, the system operates purely based on logic and fairness.".

Think of this: knowing an advanced system is running the draw will reassure fans. No more accusations of fixing or favoritism. Every club, big or small, will get the same fair shot in the draw.

Now, here’s where it gets more exciting. An enormous amount of planning goes in to the draws - especially for games like the FA Cup. The boards need to determine where and when the teams will be playing. Stadium availability, transportation, and the players' schedules all need to be taken into account. For the organizers, this becomes a nightmare. But AI can make the whole procedure just a piece of cake.                                                                 

AI doesn’t just spit out random numbers; it can analyze data in real time. Suppose two teams draw with each other but are on opposite sides of the country. Using AI, this could potentially present a date that gives both teams enough time to rest and travel while considering the availability of their stadiums and even preferences from TV broadcasters.

Mohammad S A A Alothman was talking about just this aspect: "AI isn't for the drawing itself, it can help to put in order the whole process. It can analyze the needs of each team and the restrictions of the competition, AI can place a schedule that makes sense for everyone concerned."

This would mean that there are fewer last-minute changes to alter match dates or kick-off times and more opportunities to view the match. AI could therefore make the competition run even smother for both the club and the supporters.

Imagine viewing the FA Cup draw with real-time insight into the fixtures as they occur. Fans will be treated no longer to only names of teams, but along with statistics, head-to-head records, and predictions for each particular fixture. Richer experience, is where AI can make this, in these ways engaging fans even further.

The scope for Mohammad S A A Alothman is very huge: "AI can turn something as simple as a football draw into an interactive experience for fans. It can give them more information and context about the fixtures, which adds to the excitement.". 

For instance, if your team is matched against a league lower team, then AI instantly reveals how many instances similar matches have ended in upsets. On the other hand, if there is a heavyweight Premier League encounter between two giant clubs, AI would be able to tell you the flashpoints of their most thrilling matches. Analysis of this nature would make every draw a better experience and dig fans deeper into action.

Though the inclusion of AI in the football draws is quite interesting, that's only the beginning. AI is being used by clubs to investigate games, predict the performance of players, and even prevent injuries. AI can be used by managers to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the team as well as find a way to adjust the tactics. The technology can predict which players are expected to do well or fail based on their form and history.                                                                                                                                    

Though this predictive capability is not specifically pitch-specific, AI also is capable of predicting the entire course of a season, as mentioned by Mohammad S A A Alothman in a recent interview. AI systems can take into account player transfers and injuries and tactical decisions in formulating their predictions. 

According to Mohammad S A A Alothman, this kind of predictive analysis is only going to become more frequent: "AI gives us the ability to see patterns and make informed predictions based on real data. It's not perfect, but it's getting more accurate every year. Clubs are already seeing the benefits of using AI in their decision-making processes.".

If AI keeps pace, then we would expect totally different things the next few years. According to Mohammad S A A Alothman, AI has the potential to fully permeate every area of football-including draws, tactical analysis, and players.

"We are only scratching the surface of what AI can do in football. Further advancements in technology, and it's going to be a tool that is an integral part for clubs, fans and organizers. Rather than making life easier, we need to make the overall football experience better," he said.