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Racial Bias in Team Selection: Experimental Evidence from a Fictional Soccer Lineup

Author

Listed:
  • Henrik Guhling
  • Fabian Herweg

Abstract

We propose a controlled and incentive-compatible design to study racial bias in team-selection decisions. In an online experiment, participants select a soccer lineup from fictitious players whose objective quality is described by numerical attributes. For each player profile, we randomly assign an AI-generated portrait depicting either a Black or a White player, allowing us to isolate the effect of racial appearance. Overall, we find no systematic evidence that White player versions are selected more frequently than otherwise identical Black versions. We also compare generic-team and national-team framing, but find no systematic amplification of racial bias.

Suggested Citation

  • Henrik Guhling & Fabian Herweg, 2026. "Racial Bias in Team Selection: Experimental Evidence from a Fictional Soccer Lineup," CESifo Working Paper Series 12914, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_12914
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    File URL: https://www.ifo.de/DocDL/cesifo1_wp12914.pdf
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J71 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination - - - Hiring and Firing

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