Introduction: This study aims to identify and explain the key factors affecting the selection of sports facility managers within the framework of the country's governance principles and development foundations.

Methods: This research is applied in purpose and qualitative-exploratory in nature. The statistical population included prominent experts in sports management, senior policymakers, and governance specialists. Using purposive sampling and the snowball strategy, 14 participants were selected. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews until theoretical saturation was reached. Data analysis was performed using a thematic analysis approach across three stages: open, axial, and selective coding, utilizing MAXQDA 2024 software. The reliability of the results was confirmed using Cohen's Kappa coefficient (0.82).

Results: The analysis results revealed that the main selection challenges are categorized into six main categories: weakness in selection structures, unprofessional considerations, lack of value competencies, inadequacy in specialized evaluation, legal limitations, and organizational cultural barriers. Furthermore, the key factors affecting the selection of managers were identified in 11 main categories: strategic competence, technical expertise, communication skills, resource management, transformational leadership, systems thinking, decision-making capability, innovation and creativity, sports entrepreneurship, emotional intelligence, and crisis management. The Shannon matrix results indicated that "strategic competence" and "technical expertise" hold the highest priority among the influencing factors.

Conclusion: The findings indicate a significant gap between the scientific criteria required for managing modern sports facilities and the realities of the current selection process. To achieve sustainable development in sports, it is essential to shift from discretionary and political approaches towards establishing a localized and competency-based model where strategic, technical, and value competencies are simultaneously assessed.