Identifying the strategies for adopting the Model of supporters ownership in the Esteghlal FC using the Grounded theory

The clubs are owned by supporters is one of the common forms of football clubs’ governance. Hence, The purpose of this study was to identify the strategies for adopting the model of supporters ownership in the Esteghlal FC.

This research was conducted qualitatively and using the Grounded Theory and the Systematic approach of Strauss and Corbin. The research data were collected through theoretical and purposeful sampling and based on deep interviews with 8 experts. sampling continued until the research reached a theoretical saturation. Based on the Grounded theory and the systematic approach, the data were analyzed in three stages: open, axial and selective coding. For validation of data that is equivalent to reliability and validity in quantitative research, two methods of Recoding by the researcher and a Member Checking method were used.

Based on the results of three stages of coding including open, axial and selective coding, the identified strategies were extracted in the form of legal, social-cultural, governance, educational, organizational and stakeholder management subcategories.

It seems that with the cooperation of various institutions of the country and the creation of the necessary platforms in the long term and run the identification of strategies, this model could be implemented in the Esteghlal FC.