Does the FIFA World Cup boost the economy? Can a host country capitalise on a ‘high life’? The following paper develops, besides a valid econometric analysis, the factor ϕ for World Cup-specific effects on GDP per capita growth.This econometric approach uses multiple regression models....

Without a doubt, the 2010 World Cup of soccer in South Africa was a great experience for both soccer fans, who enjoyed a safe and efficiently-run tournament, and their South African hosts. The sporting and social spectacle was broadcast around the world and focused unprecedented media attention...

Is the FIFA World Cup a tool for economic development? Should developing countries vie to host it for any price? This article studies if it makes a difference to economic growth whether a developing country hosts the event. The World Cups 1962 – 2018 are investigated, looking at the first and...

As an old Chinese proverb says, "visiting monks give better sermons." European soccer clubs also believe this, and have always been seeking for foreign players to boost competitiveness. However, due to the reason of protectionism, there were restrictions that each club was only allowed to field...

Beginning with the seminal work in the field now known as sports economics (Rottenberg, 1956), concern over competitive balance has been a recurring theme. While the vast majority of the focus has been on popular professional team sports, a few studies have analyzed competitive balance in the...

Globalisation affects not only politics and the economy, but also sport, which has become significantly more international, competitive and financially powerful. This is particularly advantageous for most consumers or spectators. Especially top athletes benefit, while not so good athletes can...

In this paper, we propose a new estimation strategy that uses the variation in success between the male and the female national soccer team within a country to identify the causal impact of gender equality on women’s soccer performance. In particular, we analyze whether within-country...