Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 “Associate Professor, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan”
2 Ph.D. in Sport Management, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch; Director General of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Sport.
3 M.Sc. Student, Department of Sport Management and Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
4 Ph.D. Student, Department of Sport Management and Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the managerial and policy-making challenges in the development of endowed sports facilities in Iran, with a specific emphasis on the institution of "Haqq-e Pazireh". Employing a qualitative approach and a multi-source case study method, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 16 managers, benefactors, and specialists in the field of sports endowments; field observations at three endowed sports complexes in Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad; and the review of 14 legal documents, including endowment deeds, judicial rulings, regulations, and contracts. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis in six phases, and the trustworthiness of the findings was ensured through Lincoln and Guba's (1985) four criteria, data triangulation, independent coding by two researchers, and member checking. The findings resulted in the extraction of 187 open codes, 24 sub-themes, and three main themes: managerial and structural challenges, technical and infrastructural challenges, and macro-policy challenges. The Haqq-e-Pazireh institution was identified as the connecting link among these three levels, with the lack of clarity in its jurisprudential and legal nature emerging as the most significant barrier to attracting investment in sports endowments. This study reveals a deep institutional gap between the potential capacities of waqf and its actual performance in Iranian sports. Accordingly, reforming or replacing Haqq-e-Pazireh, formulating a national strategic document, establishing specialized intermediary institutions, improving the financial and banking incentive system, and institutionalizing stakeholder participation are proposed as essential policy imperatives.
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