Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Sport Management, Isf.C. Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.
2 Department of Sport Sciences, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran.
3 Department of Sport Management, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
The phenomenon of politicization, as one of the modern manifestations of the instrumental use of sport in politics, media, and propaganda, has in recent years attracted increasing attention, particularly in developing countries. The aim of the present study is to identify the key components influencing the politicization of sport in Iran and to develop a strategic model to counteract it. This applied research was conducted with a qualitative approach, employing thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-step model. The statistical population consisted of experts, university professors, sports managers, media analysts, and sports governance consultants. Through purposive and snowball sampling, 19 participants were selected for semi-structured interviews until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data were coded and analyzed using MAXQDA software. The findings revealed that politicization in Iranian sport is shaped by six overarching themes: political exploitation of sport, the role of media and propaganda-driven agendas, lack of transparency and accountability, the involvement of celebrities, the absence of ethical policymaking, and the influence of social conditions and public opinion. To address these challenges, strategies such as financial transparency, media literacy enhancement, redefinition of event-related policymaking, and strengthening professional ethics were proposed. Ultimately, the implications of implementing these strategies were identified at three levels: improving good governance, increasing social capital in sport, and consolidating the position of sport within society. The final model thus provides a conceptual framework for systematically addressing politicization at the macro level of national sport governance.
Keywords
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