Professional Football Research Articles

One-Side Weight Sports and the Impact of Their Load on the Feet and the Occurrence of Posture Disorders in Professional Football and Handball Players

The aim of this study was to evaluate center of pressure (CoP) changes in unilateral sports and examine how these changes affect the athlete’s feet, ankles, knees or posture. The study sample consisted of 40 professional male players (age: 19.4 ± 2.08 years; height: 165.78 ± 4.92 cm; weight: 59.04 ± 4.02 kg; BMI: 21.57 ± 2.22; foot size: 40.9 ± 1.6), divided by type of sport into group H—handball (n: 20) and group F—football (n: 20). To evaluate the monitored parameters, we used the instrumental diagnostic techniques: 3D laser footscan, baropodometric platform FreeStep and 2D Videography. We found no significant differences between the groups in the loading of the right and left foot (F: 8.3 ± 4.22; H: 7.7 ± 6.1) (p = 0.410). We found a significant difference in the load on the front and back of the left (p = 0.0079) and right foot (p = 0.0210) depending on the type of sport performed. Maximum and mean values of CoP (g/cm2) showed statistically significant differences depending on the sport performed (p < 0.0001). The shift in CoP (mm) from the norm depending on the sport performed was confirmed in the latero-lateral direction (p = 0.003), but not in the antero-posterior direction (p = 0.320). We found a difference in the angulation of the knees and heels depending on the sport played. Handball players showed higher knee varosity/valgosity (p = 0.015) and heel values than football players (p = 0.002). The handball players also confirmed a worse postural load and initial forward posture. The one-sided sports, handball and football, showed negative effects on the athlete’s movement system. These changes were more pronounced in handball players. Proper training programs should be applied in athletes’ daily routine to improve the negative effects of unilateral sports.

Is Blood Thicker than Water? The Impact of Player Agencies on Player Salaries: Empirical Evidence from Five European Football Leagues

Abstract In this article, we analyze how different representation models of professional football players affect their salaries in salary negotiations. We distinguish between self-representation, representation by relatives and representation by player agencies. Based on the principal agent theory and against the background of asymmetric information, we hypothesize that the self-representation model has the most lucrative effect on salaries. Furthermore, we argue that the number of players represented by an agency has a negative effect on salaries. To test our hypotheses, we use a unique panel dataset containing 3,775 players from the top five European leagues over five collection dates. In addition to market values and salaries, we also include individual and team performance. Furthermore, we use information on the different representation models and, in the case of player agencies, information on the particular agency. In our study, we found no significant effect of the representation model on the salary of professional football players, which challenges the justification of agencies in general.

Burying the head in the sand a bit deeper?

This article follows from the 2022 publication of a book by the same author on financial malpractices in the world of professional football, titled Ostrageous. As the title suggests, that book both covered the outrageous business patterns and habits – and the associated financial crime risks – that have manifested themselves in this line of industry and our inclination to turn a blind eye to these developments (portrayed by the image of the ostrich). The article focusses on the aftermath of the publication of the book and addresses the main reasons why the image of the ostrich has turned out to be even more powerful than the author thought at first sight. While the book has led to a vivid debate in the academic world on the future of professional football, the professional football industry itself remained reluctant in accepting invitations to discuss the crime problems in the sector more in depth. In the second part of the article, the author suggests some strategies that may contribute in making the market of European professional football more receptive to a constructive debate about the astronomical transfer fees, the ease in which extremely wealthy investors can buy their way into clubs, the schemes used to evade tax or launder illegal assets, and a number of other structural problems facing the industry.

Money laundering and compliance in professional football: the case of Belgium in light of the new EU AML single rulebook

In recent decades, football has evolved from a purely sporting activity into a global economic phenomenon. Along with this metamorphosis, questions of corporate governance and compliance have come to the fore when it comes to the governance of (professional) football clubs. A good example is the consequences of, and efforts to prevent, criminal activities in the form of money laundering. In recent years, the risks of money laundering activities through the professional football sector have often been highlighted by, for example, European Union institutions. In Belgium, an alleged money laundering scandal in professional football led to legislative measures. This contribution considers the application of Belgium’s preventive anti-money laundering framework to professional football in comparison to the novel EU AML Single Rulebook legal framework as applicable to professional football. It concludes that this legal framework is not a miracle solution to the problems facing the sector, and furthermore, the application of this framework raises several questions.

THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

The role of physiotherapists in professional football is critical for both the physical recovery of athletes and the implementation of strategies that promote injury prevention and enhance performance. With a comprehensive understanding of biomechanics and movement principles, physiotherapists can assess players’ performance and work closely with coaching staff to devise effective game tactics. Their expertise enables them to identify movement patterns and areas of stress that can lead to injuries, ultimately helping to minimize these risks. Education plays a vital part in the physiotherapist's responsibilities, as they teach athletes about health maintenance and the significance of injury prevention. This educational component is essential for ensuring that players can sustain a long and successful sports career. Despite progress in prevention and rehabilitation practices, studies reveal persistent gaps between clinical practice and scientific evidence. Increased regulation of the profession, coupled with a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates psychological support, emphasizes the growing importance of physiotherapy within football. Moreover, recognizing the psychological factors that influence recovery and utilizing evidence-based protocols are vital for optimizing rehabilitation outcomes. The physiotherapist’s influence extends beyond physical recovery; they are integral in fostering the overall health and well-being of athletes, which significantly impacts team performance. Moving forward, the field of physiotherapy in football must prioritize continuous professional development, the adoption of innovative practices, and the establishment of an environment that values both the physical and mental health of players.

The superstar effect on perceived performance in professional football: An online experiment

The superstar effect on perceived performance in professional football: An online experiment

Achilles Tendon Pain in Male Professional Football Players - A Prospective Five-Season Study of 88 Injuries from the UEFA Elite Club Injury Study.

The objective was to describe the location, examination procedures, diagnoses, and treatment for gradual-onset Achilles tendon pain in male professional football (soccer) players. Forty-seven teams were followed prospectively for at least one season from 2013/14 to 2017/18. Time-loss injuries were recorded by the teams' medical staffs. For all non-contact Achilles tendon injuries, a specific Achilles tendon form was sent to teams. There were 88 time-loss injuries recorded with gradual-onset Achilles tendon pain amongst 72 players; 22 (25%) of them were severe lasting more than four weeks including one career-ending injury. The specific form was returned for 78 injuries (89%) with 55 cases (71%) having midportion and 23 cases (29%) insertional pain. There were 51 cases (65%) being examined with ultrasound and 29 cases (37%) with magnetic resonance imaging, both modalities being used in 18 cases (23%). Tendinopathy was the most frequently reported main diagnosis both for midportion and insertional pain with 60 cases (77%), but multiple diagnoses were recorded in 21 cases (27%). Surgery was performed in six cases (8%), and the majority of players were exposed to several non-surgical treatments in various combinations, with eccentric training and cryotherapy being most frequent with 52 cases (72%) each. Tendinopathy was the most frequent diagnosis both for midportion and insertional pain. Imaging was carried out for most injuries. A majority of injuries were managed non-surgically, with eccentric training and cryotherapy being the most frequently applied treatments.

No Increased Injury Risk on Artificial Turf in Finnish Premier Division Football.

To compare the injury risk between natural grass and artificial turf in the male Finnish premier division (Veikkausliiga) matches during the 2019 league season. A retrospective reanalysis of prospectively collected season-long injury surveillance cohort study. Finnish elite-level male football. All 12 teams of Veikkausliiga participated in the study. All players were eligible to participate. Two hundred thirty-six players took part in the follow-up between February and November 2019. Matches were played between April and November 2019. Injury data were collected using standard injury reports from the team medicals and weekly player questionnaires. Individual player exposure in matches was collected. Artificial turf was classified as exposure and natural grass as control in the analyses. Match-related injury incidence and incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) on natural grass and artificial turf. A total of 113 injuries (65 on artificial turf, 48 on natural grass) in 167 matches (90 on artificial turf, 77 on natural grass) were included. Injury incidence was 27.2/1000 hours on artificial turf and 23.9/1000 hours on natural grass and (IRR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.8-1.7). There was no difference in injury types, anatomical regions, injury recurrence, injury severity, or injury contact. Forwards may have had an increased injury incidence on artificial turf compared with natural grass (IRR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.0-11.8). This study supports previous reports that there is no significant increase in the overall risk of injury in professional football played on artificial turf compared with that on natural grass.

When and Why Do Supervisors’ Evaluations Overweight Subordinates’ Performance Outcomes? Evidence from a Team Setting in the Field

ABSTRACT To better understand supervisors’ outcome bias, I use a regression discontinuity design that compares coaches’ performance assessments of professional football players involved in narrow wins and losses. I document that supervisors over-react to negative outcomes, sharply lowering performance ratings and tripling subordinate turnover. I find that supervisors’ evaluations that subjectively incorporate information from more incomplete objective performance measures are more prone to outcome bias than those that draw on less incomplete objective measures. I also document that supervisors’ evaluations of high-performing team members are more prone to outcome bias than supervisors’ evaluations of low performers. Finally, I find that outcomes affect supervisors’ ex post information collection. My findings, consistent with predictions that I derive from the theory of cognitive reconstruction, shed light on supervisors’ outcome bias in team settings and how effectively firms’ use of objective performance measures, direct monitoring, and information gathering can mitigate this bias. JEL Classifications: M50; D91; Z20.

Head impacts in elite professional football: a growing concern

Head impacts in elite professional football: a growing concern

Evaluation of Lateral and Medial Parts of the Hamstring Muscle Fatigue Symmetry in Professional Footballers Cleared to Play After ACL Reconstruction.

Objectives: Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a severe injury common in sports. It also has a high rate of re-injury. The aim of this work was to assess hamstring muscle fatigue in active football players after ACL reconstruction who were cleared to play and to determine symmetry between the lateral and medial hamstring muscles. Methods: In professional football players post ACL reconstruction (n = 25) and non-injured players (n = 26), the bioelectrical activity of the medial (biceps femoris-BF) and lateral (semimembranosus and semitendinosus-SEM) hamstring muscles was measured during 60 s of isometric contraction. The fatigue variables were calculated using the Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) tool. Results: The football players following ACL reconstruction demonstrated significant asymmetry in fatigue of the lateral and medial hamstring muscles, with greater fatigue in the SEM compared to the BF muscle. Moreover, in those after reconstruction, the changes are more pronounced, with higher muscle fatigue in both limbs (they have lower MDF than non-injured players) and more severe SEM muscle insufficiency (noted in both limbs but with greater intensity in the non-operated one). Conclusions: The higher SEM muscle fatigue observed in this study influenced the lateral-to-medial activation ratio within the hamstring muscle, which may be a probable cause of this muscle's insufficiency in laterally stabilizing the knee in the frontal and transverse plane. Furthermore, the hamstring muscles after reconstruction were more fatigued in both limbs, which may be another risk factor for ACL graft rupture. Therefore, increased fatigue in specific hamstring muscles may indicate the direction in which knee stabilization is compromised due to ACL overload. A muscle that becomes fatigued and inefficient more quickly also becomes ineffective in performing its function sooner, which can lead to increased overloading forces acting on the ACL graft.

Performance variables and nutritional status analysis from Moroccan professional and adolescent football players during the competition period: a descriptive study.

Nutrition plays an integral role in optimizing football players' performance during training sessions and matches and maintaining their overall health throughout the season. This study aimed to evaluate how well the dietary practices of professional and adolescent football players in Morocco during the competitive period met international macronutrient recommendations, and to explore the relationship between their nutritional status and aerobic performance, as measured by the Yo-Yo IRL1 test. A total of 277 footballers from Morocco's professional league, "Botola-Pro", were monitored over a seven-day (training microcycle) during the competitive period. The dietary intake was assessed through self-reported methods and 24-hour recalls. Relevant body composition was measured with bioelectrical impedance (BI), and aerobic performance was evaluated using the Yo-Yo IR test. The results indicated significant variations in performance and nutritional status across different categories and age groups. The nutritional status of the players didn't match the UEFA recommendations (p < 0.001). We found that higher intake levels of carbohydrates and proteins were positively correlated with the total distance covered by the players (p < 0.001, r = 0.63, R2 = 0.4 for carbohydrates; p < 0.001, r = 0.59, R2 = 0.35 for proteins). Conversely, a higher proportion of energy derived from fats in the diet was negatively correlated with the distance covered (p < 0.001, r = -0.64, R2 = 0.41). These findings suggest that optimizing carbohydrates and protein intake while managing fat consumption is crucial for enhancing sporting performance. This information is essential for tailoring training programs and nutritional regimens based on the competition level.

Monitoring hip adductor strength in professional women's football players over a season: A prospective study

ObjectivesTo describe the changes in hip adductor strength of professional women's football players over a season. DesignOne-season prospective study. SettingFacilities of a national first division club. ParticipantsProfessional women's football players. Main outcome measuresMaximum hip adductor isometric strength in the long-lever and short-lever positions at four timepoints: early preseason, early season, mid-season, and end-season. ResultsTwenty-two players completed the study. Hip adductor strength values in early preseason (134 ± 29 N in the long-lever position and 317 ± 68 N in the short-lever position) were significantly lower than in the early season (171 ± 29 N and 363 ± 54 N) and mid-season (163 ± 23 N and 369 ± 53 N). By the end of the season (150 ± 19 N and 345 ± 39 N), strength values had significantly declined from both early and mid-season levels. Visual inspection of individual athletes' strength evolution over time reveals heterogeneous responses, with some players showing trajectories opposite to the group at specific time points. ConclusionsHip adductor strength increased from the preseason to the start of the women's football national league, remained stable during the first half of the league, but slightly declined in the second half. The heterogeneous responses among athletes underscore the importance of individualized monitoring throughout the season.

Anthropometric Profile and Position-Specific Changes in Segmental Body Composition of Professional Football Players Throughout a Training Period.

Body and anthropometric profiles of football players vary depending on the physiological and technical demands imposed by different positions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the body composition of professional soccer players in relation to their position on the field during a training macrocycle. The Direct Segmental Multi-Frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis method was used to analyze 58 players at six key moments of the macrocycle. The results show that body profiles are adjusted to the specific demands of each position. Midfielders showed the lowest muscle mass, while defenders showed many notable changes. In general, as the season progressed, all field players experienced an increase in trunk body fat. Fat and lean mass values of goalkeepers differed greatly from the rest. The greatest variations in body composition were observed during pre-season and transition in relation to variations in training load and competitive intensity. The results suggest that the phase of the macrocycle has a greater influence on these variations, although the physical characteristics of each position are relevant. Understanding these dynamics allows for the design of more personalized and efficient training programs to optimize the performance of footballers according to their roles and each stage of the season.

Career duration and later-life health conditions among former professional American-style football players

ObjectivesCareer duration is often used as a metric of neurotrauma exposure in studies of elite athletes. However, as a proxy metric, career length may not accurately represent causal factors, and...

Physical fitness as a factor in the effectiveness of the competitive activity of 17-18-year-old football players during the transition to professional teams

The need to demonstrate high results, on which a coach's career depends, forces the latter to practically ignore the psychophysiological features of the body of athletes aged 17-21 during the educational and training process and measures to restore players after exertion. As a result, the demands of professional football for most of the talented youth become excessive, which leads to overfatigue and a high level of injuries. The most rational approach to solving the problem of training football players during the transition to professional teams should be based on a systematic training methodology that will ensure effective development of sportsmanship, systematic growth of functional capabilities and their proper implementation. It should be noted that the indicators of physical and technical fitness of football players after graduating from the children's and youth football school do not meet the requirements of professional football. The article is devoted to solving the problem of the effectiveness of the competitive activity of 17-18-year-old football players during the transition to professional teams. The work revealed that the age range from 17 to 21 years falls on the period of an athlete's life, when the formation of all functional systems, which ensure high performance and immunity of the body against adverse factors that appear during intense training, is basically completed. It was noted that the physical and technical fitness indicators of football players after graduating from the children's and youth football school do not meet the requirements of professional football. The peculiarities of physical fitness in relation to the effective competitive activity of 17-18-year-old football players at the stage of specialized basic training were analyzed. The data of the study served as indicators of the players' physical fitness. As a result of the conducted correlational analysis of the physical fitness of young football players aged 17-18 years, an average and low value of the relationship was determined, which implies a fairly close relationship between the level of physical fitness and almost all indicators of the sportsmen's motor qualities, except for the indicator that characterizes the starting speed. It has been confirmed that the preparedness of athletes in football depends on their functional indicators, which, in turn, determine the effectiveness of certain tactical and technical actions.

Identifying successful football teams in the European player transfer network

This paper considers the European transfer market for professional football players as a network to study the relation between a team’s position in this network and performance in its domestic league. Our analysis is centered on eight top European leagues. The market in each season is represented as a weighted directed network capturing the transfers of players to or from the teams in these leagues, and we also consider the cumulative network over the past 28 years. We find that the overall structure of this transfer market network has properties commonly observed in real-world networks, such as a skewed degree distribution, high clustering, and small-world characteristics. To assess football teams we first construct a measure of within-league performance that is comparable across leagues. Regression analysis is used to relate league performance with both the network position and level of engagement of the team in the transfer market, under two complimentary setups. Network position variables include, e.g., betweenness centrality, closeness centrality and node clustering coefficient, whereas market engagement variables capture a team’s activity in the transfer market, e.g., total number of player transfers and total paid for players. For the season snapshots, the number of transfers correspond to weighted in- and out-degree. Our analysis first corroborates several recent findings relating aspects of market engagement with teams’ league performance. A higher number of incoming transfers indicates worse performance and better resourced teams perform better. Then, and across specifications, we find that network position variables remain salient even when engagement variables are already considered. This substantiates the notion in the existing literature that a high degree corresponds to better team performance and suggests that network aspects of trading strategy may affect a team’s success in their respective domestic league (or vice versa). In this sense, the approach and findings presented in this paper may in the future guide team’s player acquisition policies.

ATUAÇÃO FISIOTERAPÊUTICA NA PREVENÇÃO DE LESÃO MENISCAL EM JOGADORES DE FUTEBOL: UMA REVISÃO BIBLIOGRÁFICA INTEGRATIVA

Meniscal injuries are common among football players due to the high physical demands and repetitive movements required by the sport. Given the importance of preventing and treating these injuries, this study aims to explore physiotherapeutic treatment in football, as the role of physiotherapists has been gradually expanding in sports, seeking more effective approaches to prevent these injuries. The objective was to analyze the role of physiotherapy in preventing meniscal injuries in professional football players of both sexes. An integrative literature review was conducted using the PICO methodology, covering studies published in the last five years. The results indicate that 193 articles were initially identified, of which 5 randomized clinical trials were selected after applying inclusion criteria. Physical therapy, through muscle strengthening exercises, proprioception, and other techniques, can be as effective as surgery in the recovery of athletes. In addition to helping prevent new injuries, physical therapy can, in some cases, replace the need for surgical interventions. It is concluded that physiotherapy is a viable strategy for preventing and treating meniscal injuries, although more research is needed to understand its long-term effects.

Talent scouting and standardizing fitness data in football club: systematic review

Talent scouting and fitness data standardization in professional football clubs have been the focus of research in recent years. The role of technology, big data, and data analytics is crucial in reshaping sports performance and bolstering the competitiveness of professional football teams. This review aims to consolidate current research on these technological advancements, examining how they can be effectively harnessed to revolutionize talent sourcing and elevate the competitive standards within football clubs. The review will focus on participants, including professional football players, and intervention interventions such as the implementation of digital technologies, data mining, and machine learning techniques. The study designs will include experimental, observational, and mixed-method studies conducted in football club settings. The analysis highlights the transformative potential of integrating quantitative player statistics with advanced data science and data-driven approaches in revolutionizing sports performance, enabling clubs to make informed recruitment decisions and enhance team performance. In addition, the review focuses on the impact of data analytics on transforming sports performance. The research has demonstrated that these models, specifically classification and regression models, can forecast a football player's performance score with up to 94% accuracy for forward positions.

Comparing the Service Quality of China Super League and English Premier League for Offline Game Experience

Football, the most popular sport worldwide, has approximately 3.5 billion fans. In addition, the service quality of different football leagues varies, and it significantly impacts fan attendance to football games offline. This paper focuses on comparing the service quality of the English Premier League (EPL) and the China Super League (CSL) to identify areas for improvement in CSL's offline game’s attendance. The paper evaluated the service quality of the two leagues through four dimensions: program quality, interaction quality, outcome quality, and environment quality. The results show that the EPL is better at offering more games, greater interaction quality due to effective safety polices, higher player market value that led to more competitive matches, and more professional and modern football stadiums. In comparison, less games, excessively stringent security regulations that detract from the spectator experience, lesser player market value, and subpar stadium infrastructure plague the CSL. The research concludes that for CSL to enhance its service quality, it should allow more teams to play in CSL, relax some security policies, adjust its salary caps and foreign player policies, and build more professional football stadiums. These improvements are crucial for boosting fan attendance and engagement, ultimately enhancing the league's marketability and revenue. Future research should explore service quality in other global football leagues to provide a more comprehensive understanding of service quality’s impact on attendance.