THE EFFECTS OF FOREIGN PLAYER REGULATIONS ON PLAYER PRODUCTIVITY IN THE TURKISH SUPER LEAGUE

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of foreign player regulations on the labor productivity in the Turkish Super League. The initial hypothesis is that the productivity of the new foreign entrants will decrease as the number of foreign players allowed increases since most clubs tend to transfer foreign players that they would not make good use of. To test this hypothesis, data was collected for all the new foreign entrants to the Turkish Super League between the seasons 1999/2000 – 2004/2005 and 2009/2010 – 2014/2015. Regression Discontinuity Design is used as a tool for testing the initial prediction to reveal whether there are sharp shifts in the player productivity. The results displayed that productivity of the new foreign entrants diminished as the number of foreign players allowed increased. The possible spillover effects of the regulation changes on the number of Turkish players transferred to overseas clubs and the productivity of the domestic youngsters playing in the league are investigated in detail. Empirical evidence was found to state that foreign player regulations are influential of domestic youngsters’ overall productivity however no evidence could be found that the regulations are affecting the number of Turkish players transferred abroad.