What video review controversies in sports reveal about AI and human decision-making

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan argues with referee François Letexier during the Argentina-Egypt World Cup match on July 7, 2026. AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser If you watched the 2026 FIFA World Cup, you probably saw the now-familiar ritual: a goal, a celebration, then a referee touching an earpiece while fans and players wait for the verdict from the video assistant referee, or VAR. That ritual is not unique to soccer. Baseball has a replay center in New York, and other sports have also moved…