Environmental sustainability in Mediterranean football: executive perspectives and current practices

Purpose This study aims to investigate the state of environmental sustainability in Mediterranean region with emphasis on Greek football, specifically in the professional Super League, through the “waves typology”. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative research was conducted through five semistructured in-depth interviews with directors from clubs participating in the Super League Championship, the organizing authority and the Greek Football Federation. Findings Thematic analysis of the transcribed data resulted in five main themes (culture and leadership, coordination and planning, facilities, resources and promotion in the market and society) and a sum of 19 subthemes. Findings revealed that Greek football is on the primary level of implementing environmentally sustainable management with some initiatives being implemented as part of corporate social responsibility practices of the sport organizations. The prevailing factors preventing the adoption of environmental practices were found to be: lack of mentality/culture, lack of expertise, the age of the facilities and bureaucracy, limited funding, lack of regulation and the lack of pressure from stakeholders. Research limitations/implications Willingness to adopt environmental practices on the operational and governance level was observed. Significant strategic benefits were acknowledged from the adoption of environmentally sustainable initiatives. Practical implications Identifying factors through the framework of the “waves typology” can trigger the Greek teams toward the adoption of environmental practices. Social implications The results also indicated willingness to raise awareness through the large societal impact of football. Originality/value The findings contribute to the clarification of the factors acting as drivers or constraints for the adoption of environmental practices by sport organizations.