Designing a Pricing Model for Players in Iranian Professional Football
Subject Areas : Sports Science and Healthy
Ahmad Gorjipour
1
,
Vahid Shojaei
2
,
Mohammad Hami
3
1 - 1. PhD Candidate in Sport Management, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran.
2 - Associate Professor in Sports Management, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
3 - Associate Professor, Department of Sport Management, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran.
Keywords: Model design, Football player pricing, Game theory, Iranian Professional football,
Abstract :
The aim of the present study was to develop a player pricing model for Iranian professional football. This qualitative research employed a model design approach grounded in theory. Seventeen marketing managers from Premier League football clubs, football coaches, university professors, and active football agents participated voluntarily in this study. Participants were selected through non-random, purposive sampling for interviews. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis was conducted using MAXQDA 18 software. Concepts were extracted through a three-stage coding process. Then, a model based on the Glaser framework was developed through category classification and selective coding. Based on the analysis of the findings, four dimensions—personal traits, technical performance, psychosocial skills, and contextual factors—comprising 112 categories and a total of 643 primary conceptual codes (in repetition mode) were identified as components influencing player pricing in professional football in Iran. These components were accurately quantified. These components are categorized into four dimensions: 1. First Dimension: Height, visual and physical beauty, weight, talent, individual awards, and team awards. 2. Second Dimension: Performance quality, shooting power, jumping ability, effort and running rate, muscular endurance, technical diversity, physical strength, passing accuracy, dribbling ability, shooting accuracy, and ball control. 3.Third Dimension: Creativity, team-building skills, psychological and social adaptability, intrinsic motivation, and competitive spirit, along with agent negotiation. 4. Fourth Dimension: Social status and legal restrictions. It is advisable for club managers, footballers, and other stakeholders to consider the various aspects of this model when negotiating and making decisions regarding contract signings. This model serves as an efficient tool for more accurately and fairly assessing the value of players, thereby enhancing decision-making processes in the buying and selling of players. Finally, this research provides a comprehensive and practical model that assists managers and officials of Iranian football clubs in attracting talented and valuable players at reasonable costs. By considering all effective factors, this model aims to enhance the performance and success of their teams.
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