Football Federation Research Articles

The professionalization of the role of the coach: transforming the last bastion of the Scandinavian welfare-sport model

Coaching in Scandinavia is characterized by tensions between voluntary ideals and increased demands for professionalization. This paper examines the origins and content of such demands, how voluntary run and governed football clubs translate them into practices, and the impact of professionalization on the coach role. Within an organizational perspective, our analysis is framed by institutional theory and a translation perspective and draw on data from interviews with representatives of Norwegian football clubs. The results show how demands for professionalization are translated into (new) practices in football clubs and lead to (more) professionalization of the coach role. In a ‘top-down’ trajectory, professionalization is characterized by bureaucratization driven by a need to satisfy the Norwegian Football Federation and Norwegian Elite Football. In a ‘bottom-up’ trajectory, professionalization is characterized by individualization driven by pressures from members to tailor-make the club’s service offer. In a ‘trickle-sideways’ trajectory, professionalization is characterized by marketization driven by the establishment of private football academies that exert pressure on football clubs to adapt to a more customer-oriented membership base. In conclusion, this examination highlights the multidimensional character of the professionalization of the coach role and emphasizes the need for further research on the broader ramifications of professionalization in contexts characterized by voluntary ideals.

The role of transformational leadership in the associations between coach-athlete relationship and team resilience: A study on elite football players

This study explores the relationship between the quality of coach-athlete relationships, transformational leadership style, and team resilience in elite football players. The coach-athlete relationship is an essential factor affecting many performance-related properties of athletes, such as mental health, psychological needs, motivation, and resilience. The study examines how the quality of coach-athlete relationships explains the team resilience feature through transformational leadership. The research group includes 210 elite players from the Super League, First League, Second League, and Third Leagues of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) in the 2020–2021 football season. The study used descriptive and relational models to explore the current state of the dependent and independent variables and examine their relationships. The findings revealed insights into the mediating role of the coach’s transformational leadership qualities, highlighting how the quality of coach-athlete relationships impacts team resilience.

‘The problem is the system’: Luis Rubiales, Jenni Hermoso and the sound of sealed lips

In this contribution, I explore the affordances of videographic criticism for feminist activism by dissecting a specific incident of power imbalance and toxic entitlement: the non-consensual kiss that the president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, inflicted upon player Jenni Hermoso during the official ceremony for Spain’s victory in the Women’s Soccer World Cup in August 2023. Through a supercut set to the romantic song ‘As Time Goes By’ from Casablanca, mimicking the fanvid format, the video essay—”A Kiss is Not Just a Kiss” ( https://vimeo.com/908473856 )—juxtaposes footage of Rubiales’ kiss with representations of non-consensual kisses in mainstream films, where the woman reciprocates the kiss after a brief resistance. Slow-motion, zooming-in and repetition of the same narrative disrupt and challenge the normalization of sexual aggression. By selecting films, including animation features, that span seven decades (from 1937 to 2007), I aim to highlight the persistent nature of the issue. The superimposition of Jenni Hermoso’s voice interrupts the kisses, and a glitch with the text ‘System error’ obscures the action, arguing that the incident is part of a broader systemic problem of entrenched naturalization of sexual violence.

Examining the Relationship Between Yo-Yo Intermittent Rest Test Results and Performance in Football Players

The purpose of your study; The aim is to determine the relationship between aerobic endurance and the performance of football players. 30 licensed football players (age 18,33±0,47 years, height 179,5±10,6 cm, body weight 76,6±11,5 kg) playing in the Turkish Football Federation U-19 Development League voluntarily participated in the research. Football players' Yo-Yo IRT1 test was measured twice at eight-week intervals on an artificial football field. During the test, Heart rate (HR) (beats/min) and afterwards Maximal Aerobic Power (VO2max) values were measured and calculated. Paried T-test, one of the parametric tests, was used to determine whether there was a difference in terms of Yo-Yo IRT 1 test, VO2max values and pulse values. All analyzes were processed at the 0.05 significance level. In conclusion; There is no statistically significant difference p>0.005 between the first and last values of the distances traveled by the football players who were subjected to the Yo-Yo IR1 test first and last measurement test, their HR and their measured VO2max values.

The Relationship Between Mental Toughness, Goal Orientation and Motivational Climate Levels of Professional Football Players

This study aims to examine the mental toughness, goal orientation and motivational climate levels of 887 professional footballers from TFF 1st League, TFF 2nd League and TFF 3rd League registered in Turkish Football Federation and whether these characteristics change according to age, league level and sport experience. The results showed that mental toughness scores of footballers were significantly correlated with age, league level and sport experience. Significant difference was found in goal orientation scores with age and league level, but not with sport experience. Motivational climate scores were found to vary significantly with age, league level and sport experience. In addition, it was found that task orientation had a positive effect on mental toughness, and mastery climate, one of the sub-dimensions of motivational climate, had a positive effect on mental toughness. However, performance climate was found to have a significant and negative effect on mental toughness. This study showed that the levels of mental toughness, goal orientation and motivational climate in professional football players have significant relationships with demographic factors and with each other.

Determination of Football Academy Coaches' Attitudes and Thoughts Towards Match Analysis in Football

This study aimed to determine the attitudes and opinions of football academy coaches towards match analysis in football and assess if these vary based on demographic variables. Using a descriptive survey method, data were collected from 210 football academy coaches participating in training in Istanbul during the 2022-2023 season. The study included coaches from 21 clubs in the Spor Toto Super League and Spor Toto 1st League, within the Turkish Football Federation's Football Academies Project.No sampling was used; instead, the entire population was targeted with voluntary participation, resulting in 112 respondents. Data were collected using the Football Specific Match Analysis Scale by Gürkan et al. (2023). Due to non-normal distribution of data, Mann-Whitney U Test and Kruskal-Wallis Analysis of Variance were employed for statistical analysis, with significance set at 0.05.Findings revealed that technology use in football, specifically match analysis, is seen as highly beneficial by coaches. Match analysis was considered significantly important and contributive to their development. Coaches generally rated match analysis as "very high" in importance and contribution to player development. It was also found that:Younger coaches and those with less experience in the academy league rated match analysis more positively.Coaches with higher education levels and higher monthly incomes were more likely to value match analysis highly.Differences in attitudes and opinions were significant across age groups, tenure in the academy, education levels, and income brackets.These results indicate the growing importance of match analysis in football training and development, influenced by demographic factors.Keywords: Academy, Football, Football Academy Coach, Match Analysis.

ВАРИАНТЫ РЕКОНСТРУКЦИИ БОЛЬШОЙ СПОРТИВНОЙ АРЕНЫ СТАДИОНА «ЛУЖНИКИ» К КУБКУ МИРА ПО ФУТБОЛУ В 2018 ГОДУ

The article presents the results of comparing the options for choosing the type of console part, which is additionally mounted to increase the coverage area, which is necessary to meet the strict requirements of the International Football Federation (FIFA) for the possibility of holding the opening and final matches of the FIFA World Cup at the stadium. Based on the results of comparing the options, the type of cantilever part and the roof material were selected, the process of determining snow loads obtained by blowing the frame model in a wind tunnel is presented. The paper presents the main results of the calculation, as well as the first values of the natural shapes and frequencies of vibrations. The surface was reconstructed for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, which made it possible to successfully host the opening and final matches of the championship and increase the prestige of our country in the world.

Exploring the Potential Impacts of Mobile Sports Gambling on Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case Study of Kenya

Kenya’s vibrant mobile sports gambling scene pulsates with the promise of economic prosperity and sporting excellence. Yet, beneath the gleaming facade, whispers of potential pitfalls like addiction, financial strain, and match-fixing cast a long shadow. This study embarks on a multifaceted exploration, wielding both quantitative and qualitative data to reveal the complex realities behind the hype that is all too familiar with the target group. The findings paint a nuanced picture. Young adults and those with higher incomes gamble more frequently, raising concerns about responsible gaming practices. While the industry sparks job creation in sectors such as customer service, marketing, advertisement/brand influencing, and programming, negative consequences like match-fixing and addiction cannot be ignored. For example, in 2023, Kenya’s football federation suspended 14 male football players and 2 coaches over match-fixing allegations, and in February 2020, FIFA banned 4 Kenyan players over an international conspiracy to fix league matches, showing that such iniquitous traits have already permeated the Kenyan sporting arena. Increased sponsorship deals are perceived to propel sports quality; for example, boxing in Kenya was considered a forgotten sport, but various pugilists have gotten lifelines from sponsorship deals with sports betting companies despite these ethical questions still remaining unanswered. Public awareness of government initiatives funded by gambling taxes remains surprisingly low, highlighting a need for greater transparency. Based on these insights, I propose a roadmap for navigating this dynamic landscape. Public awareness campaigns coupled with financial literacy education can empower Kenyans to gamble responsibly. Strengthening regulations and refining taxation systems will ensure fairness and optimize revenue generation. Expanding support services for problem gamblers and fostering workplace awareness are crucial steps towards mitigating negative impacts. Finally, in-depth research is needed to understand the long-term economic and social implications, paving the way for evidence-based interventions. This study transcends mere analysis, offering a crucial compass for policymakers and stakeholders. By acknowledging the double-edged nature of mobile sports gambling, we can chart a course towards a sustainable and responsible future for this transformative industry, ensuring that Kenya truly leverages its potential for growth and prosperity while safeguarding its social well-being.

Consideration of Mental Health and Well-Being in High-Level Sport: When Will a Coach-Centred Approach Be Introduced?

Coverage of problems relating to mental health and well-being is gaining ground in the sports sector today, both in the media and in the scientific literature. Despite exposure to numerous stressors and suffering from poor mental health, coaches have in general been largely overlooked in the scientific literature. Previous studies have mainly focused upon athlete populations. The absence of research means that there are real shortcomings in both understanding the mechanisms involved in the deterioration of coaches’ mental health and well-being and in the lack of specific support systems available. This paper first describes findings from the recent, albeit quite scarce, research investigating mental health and well-being in coaches. It then proposes a number of avenues for research and support protocols, both of which are currently ongoing at the French Football Federation Research Centre. The aim is to help support these key participants in the sports sector who arguably have not been given sufficient consideration until now.

Examining the Relationship Between Fanatic Levels of Football Fans and Verbal, Physical and Cyberbullying Behaviors

This research; It was conducted to examine the verbal, physical and cyber bullying behaviors of football fans according to their level of fanaticism. General survey model, one of the descriptive methods, was used in the research. The study group of the study consists of 417 football fans determined by random sampling method for the supporters of the 4 big teams in the Turkish Football Federation super league in the 2020-2021 football season. Research data; To determine the level of fanaticism of football fans, Taşmektepligil et al. (2015) developed the football fanaticism scale, and the verbal physical and cyberbullying behaviors of sports spectators scale developed by Karaca (2019) were used to measure the verbal bullying, physical bullying and cyberbullying behaviors of sports spectators. The SPSS.20 analysis program was used to analyze the data of the study, and ANOVA test and correlation analysis were conducted to examine the relationship between football fans' level of fanaticism and their bullying behavior. When the findings of the research are examined; It is seen that there is a significant relationship between football fans' tendency to think and act towards violence and their verbal, physical, and cyber bullying behaviors. As a result, it can be said that the verbal, physical and cyber bullying behaviors of football fans increase as the tendency to think and act towards violence increases.

Leadership Behaviour Association with Human Resource Management Practice in Selected Ethiopian Sport Federations

Leadership behavior and human resource management practices (HRMP) in sport organizations is crucial for organizational success. Effective leadership behavior can positively influence human resource management practices, while these practices can also impact leadership behavior. By understanding and leveraging this relationship, sport organizations can create a positive work environment, enhance employee performance, and achieve their organizational goals. To objective of the study was to find the association between Leadership Behaviour and HRMP of selected Ethiopian Sport Federations. In this study, the sequential explanatory research design was used. a sample size of 95 respondents (n = 95) from Ethiopian Football Federation and Ethiopian Athletics Federation was selected using stratified sampling technique. The variable of the study was leadership behaviour and HRMP. In addition to this, standardized questionnaires, document analysis, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data. Quantitative data was analysed using Spearman correlation coefficient while qualitative data were transcribed and interpreted. The result of the study shows that there was significant association between leadership behaviour and HRMP, r = 0.41, p = .001. The study concluded that Ethiopian selected federation leadership behavior has contribution for effectiveness HRMP. However, utilizing modern technology, robust monitoring and evaluation mechanism, adequate guidelines, standards and manuals, employee knowledge, skills and attitudes, physical facilities, financial capacities and satisfaction athletes, coaches, officials and stakeholders were not up to the required level.

Recognition, Ma Non Troppo: how FIFA dribbled the Spanish football schism during the Civil war

ABSTRACT One of the facets of the Spanish Civil War’s sportive dimensions which has received relatively ample attention by scholars is the attitude of FIFA in the battle between de republican and the Francoists football federations for international recognition. The dominant interpretation of the facts is that the Francoists had already won this battle in late November 1937, when FIFA allegedly recognized it, and that this was somehow due to FIFA’s elite conservatism or even Nazi-fascist leanings. We contend that this was not the case. On the basis of a broad examination of Spanish, French and Belgian newspapers of the time, and a thorough search of FIFA archives in Zurich, we conclude that, although ambiguously, a FIFA dominated by a liberal elite remained true to its ‘no politics’ principle, avoiding to take sides, and actually suspending both sides until the end of the war, although tolerating unofficial international activity of both.

Overdue Athletes’ Salaries in Professional Football and Match-Fixing: a Legal Analysis

Abstract Overdue athletes’ salaries, i.e. late, partial or nonpayment of athletes’ salaries in professional sports, increases the risk for match-fixing as athletes are rendered more vulnerable to match-fixing approaches and for giving in to such proposals. Even though research and stakeholders recognize the aforementioned risk, the body of literature addressing the issue from a preventative legal perspective is slim to nonexistent. While the Council of Europe’s Macolin Convention has stimulated various measures to tackle match-fixing in both ratifying and signatory States, this paper focuses on the Convention’s prevention objective by examining how international, European and Belgian football organizations enforce compliance by their affiliated members with their contractual and other obligations. The paper argues that while football federations do take initiative in the matter, they may not yet have found a way to effectively protect the integrity of their competitions when it comes to their approach towards the issue at hand.

The Appraisal of Players' Transfer Market Values: Empirical Evidence From Italian Serie A

Abstract: This paper focuses on the determinants of transfer market valuations of Italian top division football players over the period 2007‒2017. We use data provided by transfermarkt.de to estimate the association between players' characteristics and their transfer valuation. Additionally, by applying panel regression techniques, we separate team and season effects from individual attributes. We find an inverted U-shaped association with age and a positive association with goals, assists, and minutes played in national and international competitions. Moreover, the financial sustainability of the clubs appears to be a key factor since potential accountability turmoil may cause a reduction in the bargaining power of clubs and on the players' market values consequently. Finally, season fixed effects show a statistically significant and strong negative trend of players' market appraisals. That result should be taken seriously by representatives of Serie A League as well as the Italian Football Federation because the recently pursued strategy of adjusting the decrease of conventional revenues (e.g., ticket sales, TV rights and sponsorship) with the capital gains coming from player transfers proves to be rather risky.

Management Criteria Evaluation of Lithuanian Football Academies’ Certification System

Background. There is a tendency in the football environment to assess and classify youth football organisations on a national scale to make their activities more efficient, raise the level of football and talent development, and increase competition in the context of international football. Considering the practices of Georgia and Latvia, Lithuania has started testing the certification of football academies since 2021. During the testing stage, it was observed that the certification project helped youth football organisations to improve the quality of their activities and competencies – after a year, the certification system was started to be applied to all Lithuanian football academies. As of 2022, higher certification criteria have been applied to football organisations, which the future of our country depends on. Methods. Analysis of scientific literature, content analysis of official documents, semi-structured interview (qualitative research). Results. Football organisations that participated in the certification process and received the highest evaluations are monitoring the certification process, examining the necessity of criteria through the prism of project improvement, constantly discussing with certification experts, and providing insights into the areas where the certification process should be improved. The research revealed what action plan would bring a higher level of quality to develop and improve a higher level of football in Lithuania. Conclusions: The evaluation of the Lithuanian football academy certification system revealed strengths and weaknesses; Top-rated football academies are committed to improving themselves and football development in the country; Organisations face documentation difficulties and lack of clarity in criteria descriptions; Considering the problems in certain areas of limitations, solutions must be found through the support of Lithuanian Football Federation and governmental institutions; the study provides unique perspective and insights to improve certification system and raise the level of Lithuanian football. Keywords: Lithuanian football, certification system, management criteria, certification system development.

Luis Rubiales as a symptom of Spanish sport poor governance standards

ABSTRACT The contentious actions of Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Federation, following the FIFA Women's World Cup final sparked debates about his aptitude to lead the national governing body. Compelled to stand down, Rubiales faced dual three-year bans, one imposed by FIFA and the other by the Spanish government. This paper contends that the emergence of unskilled and controversial figures, exemplified by Rubiales, within the realm of Spanish sports leadership is a manifestation of the insufficient emphasis on sound governance. The governance framework of Spanish sport, notably the internal structures of national federations, coupled with a general neglect of governance standards, are compounded by a restrained regulatory stance by public authorities. This creates a context prone to clientelism, lack of accountability and lack of innovation. The reform of the National Sports Act in 2022 represents a squandered opportunity to enhance governance standards in Spanish sport. The paper scrutinises the governance provisions of the National Sports Act and compares international sport governance standards with the structures of Spanish sport federations. The article concludes that the conduct of leaders like Luis Rubiales is not a problem, but rather a symptom of Spanish sport's disregard for contemporary governance standards.

Researching one’s own refereeing sports study program: Benefits of an approach based on involvement from the “right” distance

As a physical education teacher and a professional referee for the French Football Federation, the author has led the football refereeing program in Auxerre for 14 years. The program offers students the opportunity to specialize in refereeing. In the context of the author’s doctoral research, his duties and responsibilities within the program provide him with greater insight into how a refereeing school operates, notably through his position as an involved researcher, which merits further explanation. His position provides a number of benefits. However, it also offers apparent benefits in terms of access to “proximate fields,” which can turn out to be difficulties. Therefore, the nature of his position requires a process of critical reflection on the right perspective. In other words, there are means and resources available to researcher-actors that can help to limit the impact of the biases generated by having a close relationship to the object of research.

Designing a Human Resource Development Model in Iran's National Football with a Grounded Theory Approach

The aim of this research was to design a human resource development model in Iran’s national football using a grounded theory approach. The research method was analytical, and qualitative methodology was employed for this purpose. The research strategy involved the use of grounded theory. The participants in the study consisted of 15 individuals from the target population, including experts in sports management, managers and officials from the Football Federation, and researchers in the field of human resource performance management. The sampling strategy in the qualitative section was purposeful, with maximum diversity or heterogeneity. Data analysis was carried out through content analysis of interviews and coding. The research tool was open interviews, and the results were analyzed based on three stages of open, axial, and selective coding. The findings indicated that a development-oriented federation, securing benefits, having a proper structure, and the managerial characteristics of the federation were the indicators of causal factors. Contextual factors included an efficient administrative structure, ethical orientation, standardization of the federation's statute, creating and utilizing appropriate infrastructure, fostering organizational health, and monitoring and controlling performance. Moreover, intervening factors included social changes, attention to grassroots and cultural foundations, controlling corruption, and adhering to Islamic and ethical principles. The core phenomenon was future-oriented, merit-based, and people-centered. The research strategies included improving the monitoring process, moving toward legal compliance, establishing a performance evaluation system for employees, developing human resource competencies, and empowering the workforce. Ultimately, the outcomes of the research were citizen satisfaction, productivity, sustainable sports economy, federation efficiency, and promoting responsibility.

ORTHOPEDIC INJURIES IN MEN'S PROFESSIONAL SOCCER DURING THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE PANDEMIC.

To assess the incidence and characteristics of injuries that occurred in the 2020 season of the Paulista Football Championship during the novel coronavirus disease pandemic. We conducted a prospective study using an electronic questionnaire developed by the Medical Committee of the Paulista Football Federation. Results were sent to the team doctors of series A1 and A2 after each round of the Paulista Football Championship. Series A1 and A2 presented 12.17 and 15.6 injuries, respectively, per 1000 gaming hours. The strikers were the most affected, with muscle injuries being the most frequent and the lower limbs being the most affected. Most injuries occurred within 31-45 minutes of playing; only 4.5% of injuries required surgery. There was no statistical difference in the comparison between pre- and post-pandemic conditions. In relation to the variables studied, the most injuries occurred in the lower limbs; the most common type of injury was muscle strain, followed by sprain and contusion. The most requested exam was MRI; most injuries were classified as moderate (8-28 days). There was no difference between pre- and post-pandemic conditions. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Is one goal enough? Male strikers' views on their post-goal motivation level

The current study aimed to reveal the opinions influencing the post-goal motivation levels of male strikers who have played in various football clubs in the Turkish Professional Football League. Among the basic qualitative research designs, one of the qualitative research methodologies was employed to conduct this study. The study group consisted of 10 Turkish Professional Football League footballers who were playing professional football for many years. The study data were collected by a semi-structured interview form and analyzed by content analysis. The findings of the data analyzed are described in the discussion and conclusion sections. It is concluded that when the strikers scored the game’s first goal, they used it wisely, conforming to the game strategy, without losing their desire and motivation to score new goals. It is generally believed, that physical, technical and tactical training of the strikers during the annual training schedule improves their mental toughness and effectiveness in maintaining self-motivation. Hence, it would be important for the Turkish Football Federation to engage in a long-term collaboration process with sports psychologists, football coaches and professional club managers to ensure the sustainability of the male strikers’ motivation.