| Administrative Challenges in Retaining Iranian Elite Athletes |
| Paper ID : 1371-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
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Ali Ghaeby Dastjerdi1, Ahmad Mahmoudi *2, Amin Dehghan3 1University of Tehran
Faculty of Sport Sciences & Health 2Assistant Professor, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences & Health, University of Tehran 3Associate Professor, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences & Health, University of Tehran |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: The migration of elite athletes has emerged as a critical national concern in Iran due to the loss of valuable human capital in high-performance sport. Previous studies indicate that, beyond economic motives, structural issues within sport governance play a decisive role in athletes’ decisions to migrate. This study explores the administrative and managerial challenges within Iran’s sport system that contribute to the involuntary migration of elite athletes. Methods: This study employed a qualitative research design based on descriptive phenomenology to explore the lived experiences of Iranian elite migrant athletes. The participants included 19 elite athletes aged between 18 and 38 years from various sports disciplines who had migrated abroad. Purposeful sampling combined with snowball sampling was used to recruit participants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed according to Giorgi’s phenomenological method. Trustworthiness was ensured through member checking and investigator triangulation.. Results: The findings revealed that deficiencies in sport management are a major driver of athlete migration. Eight main themes emerged as key managerial challenges: (1) inefficiency in sport administration and unprofessional decision-making, (2) lack of meritocracy and appointment of inexperienced managers, (3) organizational discrimination and injustice, (4) administrative corruption and favoritism, (5) weak strategic planning, (6) lack of transparency and accountability, (7) absence of athlete support systems, and (8) lack of development-oriented managerial infrastructure. These factors generated systemic distrust among athletes toward sport authorities, ultimately positioning migration as a rational survival strategy. Conclusion: The exodus of elite athletes from Iran is primarily rooted in managerial and structural deficiencies rather than solely economic factors. Reforming sport governance, institutionalizing meritocracy, enhancing managerial transparency, and establishing sustainable support systems for elite athletes are essential strategies to reduce migration. Without administrative reforms and capacity-building for sport managers, Iran will continue to face significant loss of sporting talent. |
| Keywords |
| Elite migration; Sport governance; Managerial inefficiency; Organizational injustice; Administrative corruption; Athlete retention; Iran sport |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Oral Presentation) |
