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Cambridge Journal of Economics Advance Access originally published online on October 23, 2008
Cambridge Journal of Economics 2009 33(2):295-316; doi:10.1093/cje/ben038
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© The Author 2008. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Cambridge Political Economy Society. All rights reserved.

Racial discrimination in English professional football: evidence from an empirical analysis of players' career progression

John Goddard and John O. S. Wilson*

* Bangor University, UK and University of St Andrews, UK, respectively

Address for correspondence: John O. S. Wilson, School of Management, University of St Andrews, Gateway Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9SS, UK; email: jsw7{at}st-and.ac.uk

A novel test for racial discrimination in English professional football is presented, based on an assessment of the effect of race on footballers' labour market transition probabilities. Career progression is observed over five-year intervals within the period 1986–2001. Transition probabilities are estimated using a three-equation model with initial divisional status, retention and divisional transition as dependent variables. Retention depends on age, divisional status, first-team appearances, playing position and birthplace. Divisional transition depends on age, first-team appearances and playing position. Black players tend to be employed by teams of higher divisional status and have higher retention probabilities, suggesting a form of hiring discrimination affecting the process of becoming a professional.

Key Words: Professional football • Racial discrimination • Transition probabilities

JEL classifications: J24, J44, J62

Manuscript received October 19, 2007; final version received June 26, 2008.


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