Challenges of Single City-Based Round-Robin Tournament System on the Performance of Football Players in the Ethiopian Male Premier League

Abstract

Introduction: Football, with cultural and social significance in Ethiopia, adopted a single city-based round-robin system to promote fairness and reduce travel fatigue. Although logistically beneficial, this format presents challenges such as infrastructural, environmental, organizational, and psychological issues that impact player performance and safety. Objective: This study investigates the infrastructural, environmental, organizational, and psychological factors influencing player performance in Ethiopia’s city-based tournaments and proposes strategic recommendations for sustainable improvements. Method: A mixed-methods, sequential explanatory approach was used. Quantitative data were collected via questionnaires from 180 players and 18 club organizers, while qualitative insights came from semi-structured interviews with 18 coaches and officials. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests, and thematic analysis. Results: Players express dissatisfaction with facilities and pitch quality. Environmental factors like heat and rainfall impair performance and raise injury risks. Psychological pressures media scrutiny, social expectations, and fear of failure affect mental resilience. Organizational issues, including fixture congestion and limited recovery time, contribute to fatigue and injuries. Conclusion: Infrastructural shortcomings, environmental stressors, organizational inefficiencies, and psychological challenges collectively hamper player safety and performance. Addressing these requires a comprehensive strategy upgrading infrastructure, managing environmental factors, providing psychological support, reforming organizational practices, and strengthening anti-corruption measures to improve safety, tournament quality, and the sustainability of Ethiopian football. Recommendations: Stakeholders should invest in quality facilities, adopt strategic scheduling, implement mental resilience programs, and improve logistical planning to foster safer, fairer, and more competitive city-based tournaments