Policy, political and economic determinants of the evolution of competitive balance in the FIFA women’s football World Cups
A summary of the article:
The article "Policy, Political and Economic Determinants of the Evolution of Competitive Balance in the FIFA Women’s Football World Cups" examines the factors influencing competitive balance in the Women's World Cup from 1991 to 2019. It uses a combination of policy, political, and economic analysis to determine how competitive balance has evolved and its impact on the sport's global appeal. The study argues that increasing international participation and policies promoting gender equality have contributed to improving the balance of competition between teams. The paper emphasizes that political and economic factors such as national policies on women's football and the historical legacy of men's football play significant roles in shaping competitive balance. Additionally, FIFA's decisions regarding the number of teams and the allocation of slots to different regions affect the competitiveness of the tournament.
The study finds that the competitive balance in the FIFA Women's World Cup has gradually improved over time, as indicated by smaller goal differences and more closely contested matches. This improvement is attributed to broader participation and more equitable policies in various countries. However, disparities remain between teams from regions with more established football programs and those from regions with less historical support for women’s football. The research highlights the importance of continued political and economic support for the development of women's football globally.
Key Takeaways:
Increased participation improves balance: As more countries develop women’s football programs, competitive balance has improved, leading to closer and more exciting matches.
Political and economic support is crucial: National policies promoting women's football and economic development are key factors influencing the performance of national teams.
FIFA's decisions impact competition: The number of teams and how slots are allocated across regions affect the level of competition in the World Cup, with political considerations often influencing these decisions
Author: Nicholas Scelles
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