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Dirty Air, Dirty Play: The Effect of Air Pollution on Sabotage in Tournaments

Author

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  • Hirsch, Michael

    (RWTH Aachen University)

  • Grund, Christian

    (RWTH Aachen University)

Abstract

In this study, we examine the influence of air pollution, measured by particulate matter concentration (PM_10 and PM_2.5), on sabotage in rank order tournaments. To achieve this, we use player-level data from German Soccer Bundesliga players between 2009 and 2024, which we link with hourly pollution values on the exact match location and kick-off time. This research design addresses key identification problems in estimating the effect of air pollution on non-health outcomes. Our results suggest that an increase in particulate matter concentration has a statistically significant effect on destructive efforts (i.e. competitive sabotage), measured in fouls committed by a player. If particulate matter pollution measured in PM_10 (PM_2.5) increases by 10 μg/m^3, the number of fouls committed increases by 0.6% (0.9%). We also find strong evidence that this effect is driven primarily by players from weaker teams (underdogs).

Suggested Citation

  • Hirsch, Michael & Grund, Christian, 2026. "Dirty Air, Dirty Play: The Effect of Air Pollution on Sabotage in Tournaments," IZA Discussion Papers 18512, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18512
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • M5 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • L83 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism
    • J83 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Workers' Rights

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