Abstract
Purpose: In this diplomatic environment, the conditions for sports diplomacy are very ideal due to its unmatched relative advantages. Also, diplomacy and especially economic diplomacy as a facet of sports diplomacy has attracted a lot of attention due to the economic aspects of sports. Accordingly, and due to the lack of a conceptual framework related to the precursors of economic diplomacy in sports, the present study has been conducted with the aim of designing and presenting a conceptual framework of indicators of economic diplomacy in Iranian sports.
Methodology: This study is considered as an applied research in terms of purpose goal and has been carried out using the qualitative research method based on thematic analysis method. In the present study, the statistical population includes experts (professors and experts in economics and sports management) in the field of sports economics.
Functions: Based on the analysis of the thematic content, various factors have an impact on the formation of Iran's sports economic diplomacy. These factors were classified into 4 main categories. The categories include: economic foundation, economic movements, international politics and economic interactions.
Discussion: The findings of this research can fill the void related to the lack of identification of indicators of economic diplomacy in Iranian sports and provide a common definition of the concept of economic diplomacy in sports both in the academic and executive fields
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