ابراهیم علی دوست قهفرخی

Background : Internationalization of sports leagues can have several benefits, including increased exposure to a global audience; improved competitiveness; and enhanced financial opportunities and cultural exchange. Overall, the internationalization of a sports league can help it grow, become more competitive, and reach a wider audience, leading to benefits for both the league and its fans. Aim: The main objective of this research was to develop a model of challenges affecting the internationalization of the Persian Gulf Pro League (PGPL). Materials and Methods: We conducted twenty in-depth interviews with expertise involved in the functioning of the PGPL who were recruited using a convenience sampling method. The data was analyzed using grounded theory method, including open, axial, and selective coding. During the analysis, we identified 85 codes that generated 49 general concepts. Subsequently, through further reviewing the concepts and their combination with each other, we identified twenty tow final categories that affect the internationalization of PGPL. These categories were classified into five main dimensions: political-economic; managerial; legal; technical-marketing and socio-cultural. Results : According to the research findings, it is necessary for the Iranian football managers and practitioners to first address the challenges affecting the internationalization of the PGPL and then provide the required conditions and platforms with attitude-behavioral alignment to move toward internationalization. Conclusion: The study suggests that Iranian football managers and practitioners need to address challenges hindering the internationalization of the PGPL and provide the necessary conditions and platforms to facilitate the process. By doing so, the PGPL can expand its presence and competitiveness in the global football industry, leading to growth and success.

This article aims to identify the relationships among components of green supply chain management (GSCM) in sport businesses through interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and classifying those components according to their driving and dependence power. This study developed in two phases. In the first phase, literature was reviewed and 12-components of GSCM were identified. Then, in the second phase, the GSCM components in sports businesses were structured using ISM and the hierarchical and interactive model of GSCM in sports businesses was developed. The results showed that among the 12-components, ‘internal/external pressure’, ‘rules, regulations and standards’ and ‘green resources’ were the drivers and cornerstones of the formation and change of other factors. Based on the research findings, the key driver and components for achieving GSCM in sports businesses are providing infrastructure (green resources), adhering to norms (internal and external pressure), and setting its executive guarantees (rules, regulations and standards). Therefore, to achieve ‘economic benefits’ and create a ‘green market’ in the sports industry, emphasis and investment on these issues will be helpful. The current paper attempts to develop a conceptual framework for GSCM in sports businesses.