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The Economics of the FIFA Football Worldcup

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  • Benno Torgler

Abstract

The expansion of economics to ‘non‐market topics’ has received increased attention in recent years. The economics of sports (football) is such a sub‐field. This paper reports empirical evidence of team and referee performances in the FIFA World Cup 2002. The results reveal that being a hosting nation has a significant impact on the probability of winning a game. Furthermore, the strength of a team measured with the FIFA World Ranking does not play the important role presumed, which indicates that the element of uncertainty is working. The findings also indicate that the influence of a referee on the game result should not be neglected. Finally, the previous World Cup experiences seem to have the strongest impact on referees' performances during the game. Die Erweiterung der Ökonomie auf ‘aussermarktliche Bereiche’ hat in den letzten Jahren gesteigerte Aufmerksamkeit erhalten. Die Ökonomik des Sports (Fussballs) ist solch ein Unterfeld. Das vorliegende Papier analysiert empirisch Team‐ und Schiedsrichterleistungen der FIFA Fussballweltmeisterschaft 2002. Die Ergebnisse weisen darauf hin, dass der Heimvorteil einen signifikanten Einfluss auf die Wahrscheinlichkeit eines Sieges ausübt. Zudem spielt die Stärke einer Mannschaft gemäss dem FIFA World Ranking nicht die Rolle, die man eigentlich erwarten würde, was darauf hindeutet, dass das Element der Unsicherheit funktioniert. Die Resultate zeigen auch, dass der Einfluss eines Schiedsrichters auf das Spielresultat nicht zu vernachlässigen ist. Schliesslich scheinen die früheren Weltmeisterschaftserfahrungen die Leistung des Schiedsrichters während des Spiels am meisten zu beeinflussen. L'extension des sciences économiques à des domaines ‘hors du marché’ a attiré une attention croissante au cours de ces dernières années. L'économie du sport (du football) est un tel domaine. Cet article analyse de façon empirique la performance des équipes ainsi que des arbitres pendant la Coupe du Monde FIFA en 2002. Les résultats montrent que l'avantage de jouer sur son propre terrain a une influence significative sur la probabilité de gagner un match. En outre, la force d'une équipe selon le classement mondial de la FIFA ne joue pas le rôle prépondérant que l'on pourrait supposer, démontrant ainsi que l'incertitude joue. Les résultats montrent également que l'influence de l'arbitre sur le résultat du match ne doit pas être négligée. Enfin, les expériences préalables en Coupe du Monde semblent être le facteur le plus influent sur la performance des arbitres pendant le match.

Suggested Citation

  • Benno Torgler, 2004. "The Economics of the FIFA Football Worldcup," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 57(2), pages 287-300, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:kyklos:v:57:y:2004:i:2:p:287-300
    DOI: 10.1111/j.0023-5962.2004.00255.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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