Multidimensional democracy in sport: stakeholder perceptions from Portuguese national sport federations

This study explores how democratic principles are perceived and enacted within Portuguese national sport federations. Drawing on a multidimensional framework of democracy that includes electoral, liberal, participatory, deliberative and egalitarian dimensions, the research investigates the lived experiences of athletes, coaches, referees and board members. Using a qualitative methodology that includes semi-structured interviews and document analysis, the study reveals a persistent gap between formal governance structures and actual stakeholder engagement. Findings indicate that while federations comply with legal democratic requirements, their practices often remain symbolic, characterised by limited electoral competition, weak oversight mechanisms, and underdeveloped participatory and deliberative processes. Gender and disability representation also remain critically low. These insights contribute to the literature on sport governance by highlighting the limitations of compliance-based models and emphasising the need for inclusive, transparent, and participatory reforms. The study provides practical recommendations for enhancing democratic legitimacy in sports organisations and advocates for further research into governance practices across diverse national contexts.