Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Ph.D student of Sport Management, Alborz Campus, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2
Full Professor, Sport Management Department, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
3
Associate Professor, Sport Management Department, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Football in Iraq, as a national sport and a cultural unifying factor, faces significant managerial, infrastructural, and financial challenges despite considerable human talent and some international sucsess. This study aimed to develop a strategic plan for the Iraqi Football Federation based on SWOT analysis and strategic management framework to provide sustainable development strategies at the national level. This applied descriptive–analytical study employed a mixed-methods approach (qualitative–quantitative). The participants included managers, experts, national coaches, international referees, elite players, and university professors. In the qualitative phase, 20 experts were interviewed using purposive sampling, and in the quantitative phase, 80 key stakeholders completed a researcher-made questionnaire via stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis for qualitative data and SWOT and strategic planning matrices for quantitative data. Findings indicated that strengths include football talent, passionate fan base, and historical achievements, whereas weaknesses involve managerial instability, financial corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of a systematic talent development program. Opportunities encompass international support, regional sports investment growth, and a young population, while threats include talent migration and political–economic instability. According to findings, it can be said that implementing the proposed strategic plans, including management restructuring, human resource development, infrastructure renovation, investment attraction, and league professionalization, can lead to sustainable football development in Iraq, enhance international presence, and improve federation performance
Keywords
)