Hashtag United, a non-league football club, recently made headlines by becoming the first in the world to sign and sell AI professional footballers named Holly and Harvey. This unprecedented move ignited a wave of criticism within the football community. The club, founded by YouTuber Spencer Owen, has been known for its innovative approach and rapid rise through the football ranks. Despite the backlash, Owen defended the decision, emphasizing that the club aims to remain at the forefront of conversation and innovation. He argued that the use of AI players does not threaten existing jobs but rather opens new opportunities, especially for clubs at their level. Hashtag United’s initiative was part of their broader strategy to leverage social media and digital innovation to grow their brand and revenue. While the move sparked significant debate, it also highlighted the club’s commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas in the world of football.
How did Hashtag United’s AI footballer move spark controversy?
