Playing for Change: Embedding Sustainability in German Professional Football. A Qualitative Analysis of the Implementation of Binding Sustainability Criteria

This study investigates the effects of the introduction of binding sustainability criteria through the German football association DFL on the operations and the strategic devel-opment of the affected clubs. Through qualitative expert interviews with sustainability managers from clubs in the first and second division, central changes and effects could be determined. The results show that the criteria significantly contributed to a struc-tural and operative anchoring of sustainability. Challenges like increased bureaucratic efforts and conflicting goals became evident. Simultaneously, the criteria opened new potential for innovation, partnerships and enhanced visibility of sustainability issues on multiple levels. The thesis shows that binding requirements can support the systematic anchoring if internal structures and strategic commitment are available. Early prepa-ration, internal sensitisation, gradual implementation and external support were iden-tified as key success factors. This work points out that the perspectives of the inter-viewed sustainability managers possibly do not fully cover all organisational dynamics. Based on the results, recommendations for other sports associations were developed. Overall, this study contributes to the governance research in sports and offers practical impetus for sustainable development in professional sports.

Author dc:creator

• Nastasja Maria John 1998-

Contributors dc:contributor

• Háskóli Íslands

• Alþjóðaviðskipti

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1946/49962

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:skemman.is:1946/49962