This paper investigates the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in football refereeing, examining how AI can support decision-making for referees and improve decision accuracy and fairness. While these systems offer benefits in consistency and transparency, their integration also poses challenges, particularly in balancing AI’s role with human judgment and preserving game flow. To address the limited research on AI-supported refereeing, this study conducts in-depth interviews with sixteen referees and officials from the highest German football league and the highest European football association, gathering insights on AI’s role in decision support. The findings highlight critical factors for successful AI decision-support, including trust in technology, compatibility with refereeing protocols, and respect for referee autonomy. This study offers actionable insights for sports organizations and technology developers, presenting a framework for integrating AI that respects both the technological potential and the human essence of football refereeing.