AbstractThe results of neutron-diffraction, magnetic, and magnetotransport studies of La_1 ‒ x Sr_ x (Mn _1- x /2 ^3+ Sb _ x /2 ^5+ )O_3 ( x ≤ 0.7) pervoskites, which contain only Mn^3+ ions, are reported. It is demonstrated that the system undergoes a transition from the antiferromagnetic state to the ferromagnetic one at x ∼ 0.2. Its structure then changes from O ′-orthorombic to O -orthorombic, which is attributable to orbital disordering. At x ≥ 0.6, the competition between antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions and strong diamagnetic dilution trigger the emergence of the cluster spin-glass phase. As the ionic radius of rare-earth ions in R_0.7Sr_0.3Mn_0.85Sb_0.15O_3 decreases, the ferromagnetic state transforms gradually into spin glass (R = Sm). All ferromagnetic compositions are dielectric in the magnetically ordered phase with strong magnetoresistive effects. It is assumed that ferromagnetism is induced by the strong covalency and orbital disordering.