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Theory Of The Beautiful Game: The Unification Of European Football

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  • John Vrooman

Abstract

European football is in a spiral of intra‐league and inter‐league polarization of talent and wealth. The invariance proposition is revisited with adaptations for win‐maximizing sportsman owners facing an uncertain Champions League prize. Sportsman and champion effects have driven European football clubs to the edge of insolvency and polarized competition throughout Europe. Revenue revolutions and financial crises of the Big Five leagues are examined and estimates of competitive balance are compared. The European Super League completes the open‐market solution after Bosman. A 30‐team Super League is proposed based on the National Football League.

Suggested Citation

  • John Vrooman, 2007. "Theory Of The Beautiful Game: The Unification Of European Football," Scottish Journal of Political Economy, Scottish Economic Society, vol. 54(3), pages 314-354, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:scotjp:v:54:y:2007:i:3:p:314-354
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9485.2007.00418.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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