Date of Award
5-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Economics
Committee Chair/Advisor
Devon Gorry
Committee Member
Scott Templeton
Committee Member
Babur De Los Santos
Abstract
The introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in European soccer aimed to improve referee decision accuracy in high-impact situations. This study examines the association between VAR implementation and match outcomes across Europe’s five major leagues. Exploiting the staggered adoption of VAR in Europe’s leagues between 2017 and 2019, the analysis utilizes both OLS and event study frameworks to evaluate average and dynamic patterns in match outcomes.
The results do not provide clear or consistent evidence of systematic changes in aggregate match outcomes following VAR implementation. While some event-time estimates suggest possible delayed movements in outcomes such as goals and yellow cards, these patterns are imprecise and not statistically significant across periods. The analysis also finds no evidence of systematic changes in home-field advantage, as measured by relative home-away outcomes.
The findings suggest that VAR is not associated with meaningful or consistent changes in observable match outcomes. While VAR may alter aspects of officiating, any resulting effects appear to be modest and difficult to distinguish from variability present in the data.
Recommended Citation
Vetter, Christopher P., "The Impact of the Video Assistant Referee on Aggregate Match Outcomes and Measured Home-Field Advantage in European Soccer" (2026). All Theses. 4733.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/4733