Social Issues in Sport Management
Amirhesam Rahimi; Kourosh Ghahreman Tabrizi; Mohammad Sadegh Zaeifi
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to explore the dimensions of beliefs in superstition and witchcraft within Iranian football and to examine their perceived behavioral consequences for fans.
Methodology: This research employed a qualitative design based on thematic analysis and was exploratory and applied ...
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Objective: This study aimed to explore the dimensions of beliefs in superstition and witchcraft within Iranian football and to examine their perceived behavioral consequences for fans.
Methodology: This research employed a qualitative design based on thematic analysis and was exploratory and applied in nature. Eighteen participants, including coaches, players, referees, fans, and football veterans with relevant experience, were selected through purposive and snowball sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed in two stages. First, thematic coding was conducted to identify the dimensions of the phenomenon. Second, the behavioral consequences for fans were inferred through an integrative analysis drawing on interview data, theoretical foundations, and previous research. The trustworthiness of the findings was established using Guba and Lincoln’s criteria, while reliability was confirmed through a test–retest procedure (coefficient = 0.81). Results: The analysis revealed two overarching themes—psychological and socio-cultural—comprising eight subthemes and 33 primary concepts that characterize beliefs in superstition and witchcraft in Iranian football. The findings further indicated that these beliefs may contribute to imitation and emulation among fans, social tensions, and various psychological and financial costs.
Conclusion: Beliefs in superstition and witchcraft in Iranian football represent an institutionalized and multidimensional phenomenon shaped by the interaction of psychological and socio-cultural factors. This interaction reinforces a self-perpetuating cycle whose most significant consequence is the erosion of a healthy and sustainable fan culture. Addressing this phenomenon requires coordinated and targeted interventions across institutional, educational, media, and psychological domains.
alireza zare; Hakimeh Zare; Mehdi Emadi
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors affecting the propensity for superstition among football players in Iran. Methodology: It is an applied and field study. Research population included the whole Iran pro league footballers (N=420). The sample size was 203 players selected ...
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Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors affecting the propensity for superstition among football players in Iran. Methodology: It is an applied and field study. Research population included the whole Iran pro league footballers (N=420). The sample size was 203 players selected by Cochran's Q formula. The tool was a structured questionnaire whose validity and reliability were verified. The statistical tests consisted of Pearson correlation, one-way ANOVA, independent t-test, and multiple regressions using SPSS software. Results: Results showed that the propensity for superstition generally had average value (average size = 41%). There was significant relationship between indexes of education, marital status, match uncertainty, match result’s importance, pre-game anxiety, ethnicity, and birthplace with the propensity for superstition (p<0.05). Conclusion: Rise in educational level and match anxiety reduction can significantly influence the reduction of propensity for superstition.
