Pathology of the Migration Behavior of Iranian Athletes: A Qualitative Approach Based on Push-Pull Theory

The aim of the present study was the pathology of the migration behavior of Iranian athletes. The approach of the present study was qualitative and applied based on the pragmatism paradigm using pull-push theory (external attractions) - (internal repulsions). After library studies, 19 experts and specialists were interviewed and the factors affecting the sport migration of Iranian athletes were identified and classified. The statistical sample of the present study consisted of all specialists and experts in international sport relations (n=9) and immigrant athletes and coaches (n=10) who were selected by theoretical sampling which is a kind of non-probable targeted sampling. The findings confirmed 20 final concepts after two rounds of DFM technique, which reported 8 concepts related to pulling factors and 12 concepts related to pushing factors. The three concepts of retirement concern, lack of sponsors and professional leagues, lack of jobs appropriate to specialization were the most important concepts among the pushing factors and three concepts of family comfort, the presence of Iranians in the technical staff of other countries and hospitality of other countries were the most important concepts of pulling factors. Finally, the damages caused by the migration of Iranian elite athletes based on internal and external pushing and pulling factors can be divided into five general sport, economic, political, cultural and social categories.