On 19 April, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) launched its AI Olympic Agenda, and is described as an "innovative initiative". "It outlines the expected impact of AI on sport and how the IOC, as the leader of the Olympic movement, intends to lead the global implementation of AI in sport," the IOC said.

It is clear that the issues that will shape the future are the impact of AI and how it will affect movement and performance. Everything looks different when artificial intelligence touches sport, the way we train, the way we act.

The Agenda also explains "the necessary governance mechanisms to mitigate risks and promote the responsible use of AI," according to the IOC. Topics such as the benefits and problems that AI can bring will also be an area of focus at the AIPS Centenary Congress, which is being held in Santa Susanna, Spain. 

A roundtable discussion on "The Future of Sport and the Impact of AI" will be attended by senior officials and sports presidents. The Congress is divided into three sessions for next Monday, 29 April.

At the launch of the AI Agenda in London, the IOC said: "Athletes are facing the issue of AI and its potential to replace humans. Athletes are affected differently. Athletes will always be the ones who perform. An athlete, a human being, will always have to run the 100 metres. So we can have a look at the potential of AI to help athletes."

However, the benefits of AI will also be up for discussion at the congress. AI can be used to discover and identify promising athletes worldwide. The discovery of talent and the provision of tailor-made training methods for athletes. It can revolutionise judging and refereeing. Improving the way viewers at home watch, enjoy and experience broadcasts is also on the agenda.

Another section will look at the proper use of AI. It's a great tool if used properly. Football has been one of the sports where the most advanced methods have been incorporated, and the intention is to take advantage of that. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Doha, the technology was used for offside calls. Referees were automatically alerted via video in the video operations room.

At the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, FIFA used AI software to protect participants from online abuse. This kept their social media platforms free of hate and allowed them to focus on their performance.

The potential market value that AI could have over time will also be the subject of discussion at the AIPS Congress on 29 April. According to Allied Market Research, the global market for artificial intelligence in sport is expected to reach $19.2 billion (€15.9bn) by 2030, up from $1.4 billion (€1.3bn) in 2020. It seems inevitable that sport and AI will continue to be intertwined in years to come.