Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 PhD in Sports Management, Head of the Fans' Association, Tehran, Iran
2 PhD of Sport Management, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
3 Ph. D in Sport Psychology,, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
4 Assistant Professor, Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
, the present study aimed to analyze the lived experiences of Iranian fans at the 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar. This study is a qualitative study based on the type of data used, employing an interpretive phenomenological approach. The target population consisted of Iranian fans present at the 2023 Qatar Asian Cup, from which 25 participants were selected using purposive and convenience sampling based on information adequacy in the phenomenological method. Data were collected through in-depth unstructured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method (1969). Based on the analysis, 77 concepts, 15 sub-themes, and 4 main themes were identified for the lived experiences of Iranian fans present in Qatar, including: football and national identity, purposeful reaction of fans, the process of collective identity learning, and experiencing the challenges and opportunities of fandom. The results indicate that the organized presence of fans in international competitions and membership in fan clubs play an effective role in managing the stadium atmosphere and supporting the Iranian national team, leading to improved morale and performance of the players. This study emphasizes that establishing a coherent structure for fan clubs not only helps promote fan culture and advance Iranian-Islamic identity but also paves the way for showcasing national values on the international stage. In fact, Iranian fans spontaneously displayed a model of cohesive and trans-ethnic fandom based on national-religious identity,
Keywords
)