Objective: The objectives of this research were to identify and prioritize management risks and to present a risk model in professional football in Iran.

Methodology: The statistical population of the study included all experts and managers of professional sports in the country in the year 2023. Sampling was conducted purposefully using a snowball method (to theoretical saturation) in the qualitative section, and based on a convenience sampling method in the quantitative section; specifically, 270 questionnaires were distributed, and ultimately, 250 questionnaires were returned. After interviewing experts and reviewing past articles, 50 specific components were categorized into nine main components (economic, cultural, software-related infrastructure, hardware-related infrastructure, social, legal, political, planning, and media). The data were analyzed at both descriptive and inferential levels using SPSS and AMOS software.

Results: The results showed that political, economic, legal, and media risks are prioritized in that order in the management of professional football in Iran.

Conclusion: Considering the identified risks in this area, necessary measures should be adopted for better risk management, and the priority in addressing these risks must be such that it leads to the advancement of professional football in the country and the preservation of its independence.

Keywords: Strategic management, Political risk, Risk management