Content Analysis of Media Coverage of Corruption in Iran’s Football: Case Study of TV Program 90

The purpose of this study was to investigate media coverage of corruption in football and its content analysis. The research method was applied in terms of quality strategy in terms of content analysis. Accordingly, television program 90 was selected as the research sample in the 2017-18 season. The content of this program's items over the 10 months included 612 items during 36 programs. To extract the research data, corruption-related and immoral items were first identified and their content assessed for relevance to the research topic. The content of 40 approved items was then reviewed and the original codes were extracted and categorized into 7 categories of  Immoral behavior of fans, superstition promotion, corruption in management, fixers, betting, match-fixing and corruption caused by non-athletes. In general, the media and the media companions are one of the most powerful tools for controlling corruption in various social contexts, especially sport. Given the popularity of radio and television over print and sometimes online media, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting by developing and producing more critical and analytical programs, can be effective in preventing corruption and abuse in sports, especially in football as a popular and monetized sport.