شناسایی مؤلفه‌های الگوی حکمرانی نوآورانه مبتنی بر نظر متخصصان، هوش مصنوعی و بلاکچین در ورزش حرفه‌ای: مطالعه موردی لیگ برتر فوتبال

رقیه ساکی; محمد نیکروان; زهره رضایی; عباس باقری

Authors

Roghayeh Saki Department of Sports Management, Bo.C., Islamic Azad University, Borujerd, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7024-9863
Mohammad Nikravan Department of Physical Education, Bo.C., Islamic Azad University, Borujerd, Iran https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0860-2212
Zohreh Rezaei Assistant Professor, Department of Sports Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3821-4859
Abbas Bagheri Department of Physical Educational, Farhangian University, P.O. BOX 14665-889, Tehran, Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5697-3465

Keywords:

Innovative Governance, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Digital Readiness, Good Sport Governance, Premier Football League

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and explain the components of an innovative governance model based on expert perspectives and the capacities of artificial intelligence and blockchain in professional sport, with a focus on the Iranian Premier Football League. This applied study employed a qualitative exploratory design. The participants were 15 experts in sport management, information technology, artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital transformation, and the legal and financial dimensions of professional football. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, supplemented by snowball sampling when necessary. Data were collected through semi-structured expert interviews, and sampling continued until data saturation was achieved. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The analytical process included familiarization with the data, generation of initial codes, identification and review of themes, definition and naming of themes, and development of the final thematic structure. The analysis generated 64 initial codes and four major themes. “Artificial intelligence in sport governance” included sport data analytics, intelligent decision-making, risk management, and smart fan engagement. “Blockchain and organizational transparency” comprised financial transparency, secure information registration, smart contracts, and stakeholder trust. “Organizational digital readiness” included technological infrastructure, human resources, organizational culture, managerial support, and data security. “Good sport governance” encompassed transparency, accountability, efficiency, stakeholder participation, ethics, and fairness. The findings indicated that the governance benefits of artificial intelligence and blockchain depend on sufficient organizational digital readiness and the simultaneous institutionalization of good governance principles. Innovative governance in professional football requires the integrated development of AI-based analytical capabilities, blockchain-enabled transparency and traceability, organizational digital readiness, and good governance principles; therefore, isolated adoption of emerging technologies without corresponding managerial, human, legal, and ethical capacities is unlikely to produce sustainable governance transformation.

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