Informed Choice or Situational Deterrence in the Immigration of Iranian Elite Athletes: Providing a Framework of Related Factors

Abstract

Background and Aim: The migration of elite athletes from Iran has negatively impacted the country's growth and development. This study aims to identify the factors influencing the immigration of elite Iranian athletes.

Methods: The research used a qualitative approach with a systematic grounded theory method. Male and female national athletes who changed citizenship and moved abroad for sports were purposefully selected as participants. Data was collected from 10 Persian and English articles and 16 interviews.

Results: After analyzing the data, 136 initial codes were identified. These codes were used to create 12 subcategories, which encompassed personal reasons, sports growth and development, favorable conditions in the destination country, personal weaknesses and psychological elements, resources, facilities and infrastructure, economic problems in the country, financial issues for athletes, sports management weaknesses, political restrictions, cultural challenges, and social issues. Additionally, the data was organized into three main categories: intra-personal factors, economic factors, and extra-personal factors.

Conclusion: The study suggests that senior officials address discriminatory views, ensure justice within sports, provide equal opportunities, improve management, support athletes economically, combat discrimination, separate politics from sports, and respect athletes' privacy, especially for women.