Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Ph.D. student of Sports Management, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Sports Management, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran
3 Professor of Sports Management Department, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The present study aims to investigate the impact of social media on sports corruption disclosure and identify the opportunities and challenges related to this issue. This research is qualitative and was conducted using a multiple-case study approach. The statistical population included sports journalists, social media activists, sports media experts, sports managers, and university professors who had experience and involvement in exposing sports corruption through social media. Purposeful sampling was conducted and finally, 18 individuals were selected as participants until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and qualitative content analysis of posts and content published on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Telegram. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. The findings of this study showed that social media provides opportunities such as quick access to information, direct publication of documents, compelling officials to be accountable, creating collaborative networks for whistleblowing, increasing public oversight, and rebuilding public trust. These opportunities reduce the power of concealment by offenders and encourage individuals to participate in combating corruption. However, challenges such as legal prosecutions, security threats, dissemination of false information, and psychological pressure on whistleblowers, poor platform security, and cultural resistance may limit the effectiveness of disclosures and have negative consequences for whistleblowers. As a result, despite numerous challenges, social media is recognized as an effective tool for exposing sports corruption and promoting transparency.
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