Muscle drain versus brain gain in association football : technology transfer through player emigration and manager immigration

Allan, Grant and Moffat, John (2014) Muscle drain versus brain gain in association football : technology transfer through player emigration and manager immigration. Applied Economics Letters, 21 (7). pp. 490-493. ISSN 1350-4851 (https://doi.org/10.1080/13504851.2013.870641)

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Abstract

To test theories of migration and economic development, this article examines whether international football teams benefit from having players playing abroad in stronger leagues and from employing managers from countries with stronger leagues. The results provide evidence in support of the former effect. However, there is a negative impact from employing managers from countries with superior leagues.