The Corruption Formation Process in Iranian Football

Abstract This study investigates the corruption formation process in Iranian football. Data was collected using library studies as well 18 in-depth and semi-structured interviews with football industry stakeholders. The research data were analyzed through coding three stages: open, pivotal selective. Grounded Theory used to determine initial list of causes. Then, interpretive structural modeling MICMAC analysis utilized. Having data, researchers classified variables into four different levels, after analysis, we divided two groups independent dependent variables. None included group autonomous linkage results showed that at highest level, corrupt governance (including weak federation statutes, government control football, football) most influential factor. At third key factor dysfunction which underpinned by both management supervision second defective agreements monitoring (consisting rules regulations inefficient national club contracts) significant. first financial money laundering economic factors), bias opportunism (by journalists agents), human resources (comprising coercion nurturing forces) influential. findings managerial level has a major role preventing corruption.