Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Department of Sports Management, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2
Department Sport Management, CT.C., .Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
3
Department of Physical Education, Tehran East branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
4
Department of Futures Studies, Faculty of Governance, Faculties of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
5
Department of Law and Islamic Jurisprudence, Research Institute for Research and Development in Humanities and Islamic Sciences, SAMT (The Organization for Researching and Composing University Textbooks in the Humanities), Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence in professional sports—from talent identification and performance analysis to match officiating—has enhanced efficiency and accuracy, but it has also introduced the emerging phenomenon of "algorithmic discrimination" as a serious challenge at the intersection of law, ethics, and sports. This form of discrimination, stemming from biases in training data, opaque algorithm design, and a lack of human oversight, reproduces structural inequalities against groups such as women, ethnic minorities, and athletes with disabilities, thereby violating the fundamental principles of competitive fairness and the Olympic Charter. This research, employing a descriptive-analytical method and an interdisciplinary approach, examines the causes and instances of algorithmic discrimination while comparatively exploring countermeasures in the European Union (risk-based binding regulations), the United States (application of existing anti-discrimination laws), and international sports bodies (ethical frameworks). The findings reveal a profound regulatory gap in Iran's legal system; despite general provisions in constitutional principles and international obligations, there is no specific and preventive legal framework to address algorithmic discrimination in sports. Emphasizing the need for smart regulation, this article proposes a multi-level strategy encompassing legislative measures (drafting risk-based laws), institutional strengthening (enhancing specialized oversight), technical solutions (ensuring transparency and human oversight), and international engagement (participating in the development of global standards) for the responsible governance of AI and the protection of sports values in Iran.
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