Extended Abstract
Background and Purpose
The performance of sports clubs and teams is primarily evaluated during competitions. The success of sports teams depends significantly on the performance of individual players, which in turn is influenced by numerous factors, each of which can determine the overall success or failure of sports teams in competitive settings. Consequently, the central pillar of success in championship sports lies fundamentally in capable and well-prepared athletes—those who are physically, mentally, and skillfully ready (Friel & Garber, 2020). During highly demanding and exhausting training sessions aimed at preparing athletes for competition, maintaining the desire and motivation to train is critically important. One of the most significant causes of player discouragement and lack of serious effort in training for competition preparation is the phenomenon of indifference. This indifference diminishes the motivation of athletes, who represent the most valuable human capital in championship sports. The presence of indifferent and unmotivated players is a detrimental factor in sports that must be identified and addressed promptly (Hauck, Felzer-Kim & Gwizdala, 2020). The aim of this research was to identify and prioritize the factors affecting player indifference during training within the teams of the Premier League of Khuzestan Province in the year 1402 (2023–2024).
Methods
The present study is a descriptive-survey field research project conducted using document mining methods, a review of background literature and subject records, as well as interviews with 16 selected experts. Accordingly, Persian and English articles published in reputable journals were systematically searched. For domestic articles, the Sid.ir, Magiran, Noormags, Civilica, and Irandoc databases were utilized. For foreign articles, searches were performed using the Human Kinetics, Science Direct, Sage, Taylor & Francis, Wiley Online, Eric, and Google Scholar databases, covering studies related to athlete indifference in both Persian and English. Ultimately, six fundamental factors—managerial, financial, club structure, infrastructure, motivational, and environmental—each reported in more than eight scientific studies, were selected. To identify specific instances and related cases for each of these six factors in the context of player preparation exercises, and considering the local context and sports field, interviews were conducted with 16 selected experts working in the top leagues of football, handball, wrestling, and taekwondo in 1404 (2025–2026). The core interview question was: “In your view, what constitutes player indifference in preparation exercises according to these six factors?” The six factors were then ranked using expert opinions and the MICMAC analysis method, and the degree of influence and impact of each factor was determined. The statistical sample, comprising athletes active in top leagues (n=8), club managers (n=2), coaches (n=4), and referees (n=2), was selected purposefully based on the theoretical saturation criterion. The selected experts participated in comparing, ranking, and evaluating the degree of influence and impact of the identified factors.
Results
The results revealed the factors contributing to player indifference during preparation training within Premier League teams of Khuzestan Province. Based on the qualitative analysis of expert interviews and subsequent MICMAC analysis, six main categories were identified: managerial, financial, club structure, infrastructure, motivational, and environmental factors.
In the initial phase of data analysis, 109 primary codes were extracted from the interview transcripts. Following refinement, merging of overlapping concepts, and validation of the coding process, these were reduced to 31 core conceptual codes, which were then organized into the six main factors. This categorization reflects the multidimensional nature of player indifference in professional sports settings.
The results of the structural analysis indicated that managerial factors exhibited the highest level of influence among all variables. These factors include lack of attention to players’ needs, weak communication, perceived injustice, and inadequate managerial support. Financial factors were identified as the second most influential category, emphasizing the importance of timely payments, fair reward systems, and financial transparency in reducing player indifference.
Club structure was ranked as the third influential factor, highlighting the role of organizational systems, decision-making processes, and the degree of flexibility and professionalism within clubs. Infrastructure and environmental factors were positioned at the next level, indicating a moderate influence on player attitudes. These include training facilities, welfare services, and the overall physical and psychological environment of the club.
Motivational factors, although important, were found to be the most dependent variables in the model. This finding suggests that players’ motivation is significantly affected by other structural and managerial conditions rather than acting as an independent driving force.
The MICMAC analysis further confirmed the classification of variables based on their influence and dependence. Managerial and financial factors were categorized as driving variables with high influence and low dependence, while motivational factors were identified as dependent variables. Infrastructure and environmental factors were placed in the linkage cluster, indicating both influence and susceptibility to change.
Overall, the findings demonstrate that player indifference is not merely an individual psychological issue but is deeply rooted in organizational, managerial, and structural conditions within sports clubs. These results provide a clear prioritization of factors that can guide decision-makers in developing targeted interventions to enhance player engagement and commitment during training processes.
Conclusion
Therefore, if managerial and financial factors are considered the most important influencing factors, it can be expected that motivational and infrastructural factors—as the most important influenced factors—play a role in reducing player indifference. In this context, it is suggested that managers of sports clubs act with respect, provide maximum participation in management decisions, ensure appropriate payment amounts, and offer fair rewards to players. Additionally, fostering friendship and cordial relations among players, coaches, managers, and fans through appropriate management processes; continuous media action to promote player cohesion and unity; modeling empathetic behaviors; taking practical measures to develop infrastructure and equipment needed by athletes and coaches; and striving to achieve the club’s ethical charter are all recommended to reduce player indifference.
Article Message
This study develops a structured framework for understanding player indifference in professional sports training by integrating qualitative analysis with MICMAC modeling. The findings identify managerial and financial factors as the primary driving forces, while motivational factors are largely dependent on organizational conditions. The results emphasize that player indifference is not merely an individual issue but is strongly shaped by managerial practices, financial fairness, and club structure. By prioritizing these factors, the study offers practical guidance for sport managers to enhance player engagement and training commitment. This research contributes to the sport management literature by providing a systematic and actionable model for reducing indifference.
Ethical Considerations
Ethical principles were observed throughout this study. Participation was voluntary, and informed consent was obtained from all participants. The confidentiality and anonymity of respondents were ensured. The research was conducted in accordance with publication ethics standards provided by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
Authors’ Contributions
Conceptualization: Atousa Ghaseminezhad Dehkordi, Masoud Naderian Jahromi
Data Collection: Najmeh Taheri, Atousa Ghaseminezhad Dehkordi
Data Analysis: Najmeh Taheri, Elham Moradi
Manuscript Writing: Najmeh Taheri, Atousa Ghaseminezhad Dehkordi
Review and Editing: Masoud Naderian Jahromi, Najmeh Taheri, Elham Moradi
Literature Review: Najmeh Taheri, Elham Moradi
Project Manager: Masoud Naderian Jahromi, Atousa Ghaseminezhad Dehkordi
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this study.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to all experts, coaches, managers, and athletes who participated in this research and shared their valuable experiences. Their contributions were essential to the completion of this study. Appreciation is also extended to colleagues and reviewers whose constructive feedback improved the quality of the research.