An Analysis of the Economic Challenges of Mazandaran Soccer Clubs

Among sports, soccer is the most popular, spectacular and exciting sport in the world and our country is no exception. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the economic challenges of soccer clubs in Mazandaran. The present study was descriptive-analytic and was applied in terms of objective. The statistical population included university elites, managers, coaches, referees and athletes, economic managers and experts in Mazandaran province and the sample was selected using purposive and convenience sampling methods. In the first stage of the study, economic challenges were identified by interviewing 25 subjects from the statistical population. In the second and third stages, the challenges identified by the Delphi group (25 subjects) were examined; in these two stages, those factors that had at least 60% positive responses remained for the next step. In the final stage, the identified challenges identified in the three stages were ranked using the 5- point Likert questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS and EXCEL software and Dimatel model. The results showed that the lack of transparent rules for privatization was the most effective economic challenge and the lack of spectators’ disapproval of football matches was the least effective economic challenge of Mazandaran football clubs. It is suggested that Iran sport managers and Mazandaran province should make strategic plans in view of the priorities presented in this study and similar studies so that they can ultimately observe the economic growth and development of the football clubs.