Developing a Model of Corruption Management in Iran's Sports

The purpose of this study was to develop a model of corruption management in Iran’s sport. The present study was applied in terms of method, qualitative and in terms of purpose, which was done with the approach of the data theory of the foundation and in the way of the Glaser (1992). First, through preliminary studies, the Preliminary List of Corruption Factors was identified. Then, semi-structured interviews with 15 knowledgeable elites were conducted on the subject of research to achieve theoretical saturation through theoretical sampling and snowball. The quality of the findings was confirmed by the theory verification strategy and Scott test. The proposed model consists of four main sections. The central section of the model represented major forms of corruption in sport, in particular, financial and ethical corruption. Factors affecting the sport corruption included four categories of political, structural, socio-cultural and economic factors. Coping strategies of sport corruption include legal solutions, IT development, knowledge development and social responsibility development. Finally, the consequences of sport corruption were categorized in four groups include functional impacts on sport, socio-cultural, financial impact, and impacts on stakeholders. The results confirm the complex nature and wide range of corruption in sport, and the proposed model can be used to understand, control and manage the corruption in sport used by national policy-makers and sports organizers.