Historical Development of Shamateurism and Its Deep Dark Shadow To Football In Ethiopia

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the challenges of Shamateurism. Football in Ethiopia is not only market oriented and professionalized, but also does not financially sustain itself. On the other hand, the budget of the football clubs and the salary of the labor market is sky rocketing from time to time. Therefore, we set-out to assess this paradox of organizational structure and management. To analyze this, a qualitative and exploratory case study through  interview and focus group discussion, as well as literature survey (such as: public announcements, regulation, and policy) and personal observation were used. Top management officials in the Ethiopian Ministry of Youth and Sport, higher officials of Ethiopian Football Federation, prominent football club leaders at Ethiopian premier league, sport academicians, sport journalists, experienced ‘A’ licensed coaches and international referees, and prominent Football spectators were interviewed plus conducted at group discussion. Though, the result indicates that there is confusion in discriminating shamateurism from Semi-professionalism. However, significant number of the interviewees and participants in focal group discussion and key informants indicated that football in Ethiopia is not self-sustaining.