Cambridge United to use AI for player contracts

Cambridge United chief Alex Tunbridge said the move to AI would help the club save time and money

Using AI to manage players' contracts will save Cambridge United FC "serious time and money", according to the club's chief executive.

The U's believe they are the first club to use AI to draft and review contracts for players and other employees and for commercial agreements.

They have partnered with Cambridge‑based Genie AI in a bid to reduce legal costs and turnaround times, with several new player signings planned before the 1 September transfer deadline.

The club said that although AI had been used elsewhere to influence contract decisions and for performance analysis, it had not been used for the direct task of contract management.

Club chief executive Alex Tunbridge said: "There's a growing conversation about AI in Cambridge, in football and across the legal world.

"Partnering with a homegrown innovator like Genie AI keeps us at the forefront.

"If we can keep the same legal quality while saving serious time and money, that's exactly the kind of smart decision that lets us reinvest in players, facilities and our matchday experience community."

Rafie Faruq, co‑founder and CEO of Genie AI, said: "Growing up in Cambridge, it's an absolute pleasure to help the club sign their players in line with [Football League] regulations through the use of AI."

The system will be rolled out this month.