Comparison of success factors between Sepahan F.C and Zob Ahan Esfahan F.C in Iran

The aim of this study was to compare and prioritize the success factors of Sepahan F.C (SFC) and Zob Ahan Esfahan F.C. (ZAFC) soccer teams in the Premier League and the AFC Cup during the 80s. This was a cross sectional descriptive study. The research sample included 210 participants from staff and employees of clubs, their players, and all the coaches, staff, and major members of their fans community. Data has been collected using a field survey method, a researcher made questionnaire. Validity of the questionnaire was approved by professors and specialists in sports management trend and the reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbachʹs alpha (? = 0.94). Descriptive statistics and tests of Mann-Whitney and Friedman were used to analyze data. Results showed that success factors of SFC and ZAFC were significantly different. Average rating factors of macro management, administrative, structural factors, and institutional support of the SFC was significantly higher than ZAFC. On the other hand, hardware facility of ZAFC was significantly higher than SFC. In addition, results of Friedman test showed a significant difference between success factors priorities between two clubs.