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Identifying effective strategies to reduce financial violations of managers of football clubs in the Premier League of the Persian Gulf

Authors

1 Professor of sport Management ,university of mohagheghe Ardabili ,Ardabil.Iran

2 Department of Sports Management, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

3 Department of Sports Management, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran

Abstract

Objective: Reducing financial violations in Iranian Premier League football clubs is of significant importance. Financial misconduct damages club brands, reduces private sector investment, and leads to fan dissatisfaction and human resource challenges. This study aims to identify strategies to enhance transparency and reduce financial violations among managers in the Persian Gulf Pro League.

Methodology: This applied research adopts a qualitative approach using descriptive phenomenology. Participants included experts in the field. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions and analyzed using MAXQDA 2020. Validation was ensured through credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability criteria.

Results: Analysis identified 89 sub-themes grouped into six main themes: smart reporting, legal oversight by the federation, fan and media engagement, technological advancements in financial management, restructuring club management, and corruption prevention in contracts.

Conclusion: Reducing financial violations in Iranian football clubs requires structural, managerial, and legal reforms. Key measures include enhancing financial transparency and independent auditing, improving managerial structures and financial governance, enforcing strict resource allocation laws, engaging international regulatory bodies, and strengthening financial misconduct reporting mechanisms.

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Human Resource Management in Sports
Volume 13, Issue 1
January 2026
Pages 147-162
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