Assessment of the Effectiveness of Iraq’s Futsal Development Model: A Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) Approach with Emphasis on Performance Indicators
Keywords:
Iraq futsal, model validation, structural equation modeling (SEM)Abstract
The objective of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of Iraq’s futsal development model using a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach with an emphasis on performance indicators. This study aims to evaluate and validate the causal relationships among the primary dimensions identified after formulating the initial futsal development model in a previous qualitative research phase. The research design was applied in nature and, in terms of execution, descriptive–analytical and quantitative. The statistical population consisted of coaches, players, referees, and futsal managers in Iraq. The sample included 300 experts in this field, selected using purposive–convenience sampling. The data collection instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire based on eleven components (national barriers, international barriers, motivational elements, private-sector participation, bureaucracy and relations, domestic and global standards, legal and executive frameworks, economic and financial infrastructures, software and hardware infrastructures, professionalization, and cultural–social enhancement). The questionnaire’s validity was confirmed by subject-matter experts as well as through confirmatory factor analysis, and its reliability was reported with a Cronbach’s alpha above 0.81. Structural equation modeling using LISREL was employed to test the model. The results indicated that the fit indices were at an acceptable level (CFI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.068, χ²/df = 2.41), and the relationships among the model dimensions were significant. Moreover, the model quality assessment was confirmed. Therefore, Iraq’s futsal excellence model possesses sufficient statistical validity and can serve as a basis for sports policymaking in the country.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Hussein Abd Mohammed Sakhil, Hesam Eshraghi, Mazin Hadi Kzar, Alireza Zamani Nukaabadi (Author)
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