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Home bias and referee bias in European football: The role of stoppage time allocation

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  • Böttger, Tom
  • Vischer, Lars

Abstract

Football referees possess substantial discretion in allocating stoppage time, a decision that is comparatively opaque yet potentially consequential for match outcomes. This paper examines whether stoppage time allocation contributes to home advantage in contemporary European professional football. Using a dataset of 18,085 matches across the 2014/15-2023/24 seasons, we analyse first- and second-half stoppage time separately. Our results indicate that first-half stoppage time is largely explained by interruptions and shows no systematic dependence on match context. In contrast, second-half stoppage time is strongly context-dependent: close matches receive more stoppage time on average, no matter whether the home team is leading or trailing.

Suggested Citation

  • Böttger, Tom & Vischer, Lars, 2026. "Home bias and referee bias in European football: The role of stoppage time allocation," Discussion Papers of the Institute for Organisational Economics 1/2026, University of Münster, Institute for Organisational Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:umiodp:336784
    DOI: 10.17879/60948678701
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    JEL classification:

    • C20 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - General
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • L83 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism
    • Z20 - Other Special Topics - - Sports Economics - - - General
    • Z21 - Other Special Topics - - Sports Economics - - - Industry Studies

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