Identifying Barriers of the Development of Sport Diplomacy in Foreign Policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran

The purpose of this study was to identify barriers of the development of foreign diplomacy in foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The entire research process included two steps, The first stage of research includes: qualitative research of type grounded theory (Using an interview with university professors and elites, reading articles, books and documents),The second stage of the study included: quantitative research of descriptive-analytical type (using Delphi and AHP method). The results showed that the indifference and neglect of the Ministry of Sports and Youth and the State Department on international sports issues, Fundamental disadvantages in the statutes of the federations, The ideological barriers and the conflicts of some of the values of the I.R.I with the rules and norms governing the world of sport, There was no specialist manpower, Political decisions inconsistent with international sports issues at the Ministry of Sports and Youth, Federations and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, And the number of decision makers in international sport affairs, One of the most important obstacles to the development of sport diplomacy in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is suggested that the potential of embassies located in countries with international sports organizations (such as FIFA-based Switzerland), in the field of sports diplomacy to achieve international goals could be used.