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Non-league football club Hashtag United have claimed that their AI players have sold in two 'world-record' deals. The Isthmian League Premier Division faced criticism following their announcement last month where they signed two artificial intelligence players but they have now rectified the publicity stunt. The step-seven club claimed that they became the first club to make the signing of two AI professional footballers. In their original tweet, it received 3.5million views. But the club, who were founded by popular YouTuber Spencer Owen – who has acted as the club chairman and chief executive – suffered backlash for their post. It stated that there will be a delay for their debuts before "taking to the pitch". The Tags have enjoyed a meteoric rise through the non-league ranks, starting off playing other teams around the social media industry - travelling the world in the process - before they joined the English football pyramid. Hashtag have been trail-blazers in using their social media-first strategy which has seen in-depth insights, behind the scenes footage and high-quality matchday packages uploaded to their YouTube channel, as well as social media profiles. They currently have 655,000 subscribers on YouTube and boast over 137million views across their 1,003 videos. Their Instagram page also had over half-a-million followers while the football club have had high-profile sponsorships with the likes of Adidas and soft and energy drink manufacturer Lucozade. Hashtag claimed to have signed AI professional footballers, Holly and Harvey, in their initial post, they wrote: "AI PLAYERS CONTRACTED! "We are delighted to announce the double signing of Holly and Harvey who become the world’s first AI professional footballers. We may have to wait a little longer to see their debuts but as soon as technology allows they will be taking to the pitch. "Unfortunately they are both currently suffering from the fairly rare case of “missing body syndrome” but both miraculously passed their medicals with flying colours. "In the meantime they will start work right away representing the club and creating content. Please give them a big Hashtag welcome and drop them a follow." On Thursday, the club confirmed that there had been a double record-breaking departures of Harvey and Holly. They said: "SOLD. Last month we became the first football club in history to sign & contract AI players. "This was part of our mission to be one of the most talked about, relevant and innovative brands in football. Today we can announce another world first as we become the first club in history to successfully sell AI players. "That’s two world records secured, mission accomplished. "Hashtag can confirm Holly and Harvey have been transferred for a significant non-disclosed fee. We thank them for their service and wish them the best in their quest for bodies." Former chief executive officer, Owen, left a tongue-in-cheek comment on their Instagram page: "I don’t think people believe we actually sold them. [laughing emoji]. Want to see the bank statement?" Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
