Strategies for Developing Financial Resources and Income of Sports Federations in Iran: Findings of a Qualitative Study

Federations are the world's leading sports organizers and a sufficient source of funding plays a significant role in achieving the goals of the federations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the status quo and identify strategies for developing financial resources and income generation of sports federations in Iran. For this purpose, a qualitative research method was conducted. the statistical sample included 47 qualitative interviews with experts, executive managers, and faculty members who were selected using the theoretical sampling method and the snowball method. The research instrument for collecting data in this research was basics and scientific documentation and interviews. To analyze the data, including interviews, the theme analysis method, which is widely used in qualitative research, was used. In this method, the interviews were first recorded on the tape and the contents of the interview were implemented and completed using the notes taken during the interviews. Research findings of the coding method in three stages are the determination of verbal statements, open coding, and coding. Ninety-two badges were identified in open coding which was categorized into 20 categories and identified for the purposes of research and data analysis, current income conditions, barriers, and strategies. The study indicated that the categories in the form of strategies are not rooted solely in the dependence of the government's inadequate assistance and the deterrents have an effective role to play in this regard. Government assistance and sponsors are the most significant current source of income, legal vacuum and management role as the major barriers as well as legal reforms, the formulation of a strategic and economic plan, observance of the principles of management, and continuous restoration of the stadiums are identified as the most important solutions in this study. Therefore, due to the lack of financial resources of the federations, the strategic economic approach to the development of income generation may be strengthening and expansion of sports fields in gyms.