Tenth International Conference on Sport & Society

Abstract

This paper aims at evaluating the so-called “legacy” of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, analyzing the period after the World Cup in Brazil. The study investigates the developments of the relationship between the new arenas and and fans, particularly the groups called “organized supporters.” We first describe all architectural and infrastructural transformations made for the World Cup; then, we review the literature concerning uses and occupations of the new stadiums by the supporters; lastly, we present a survey applied after the World Cup to supporters from São Paulo. This survey made possible to identify positive and negative aspects mentioned by the users of sports facilities, with a distinction between modernization of stadiums to comply with FIFA standards and their utility a posteriori, especially for the so called “celebration” in the stands – banners, flags, songs and choreographies – during state and national championships. In light of “football-clubbism” – a way of supporting a club, which differs from the way of supporting the national team –, we concluded with a heterogeneous and different point of view as presented by members of the “organized supporters.” The analysis of statistical data allows detecting advantages and disadvantages to the “supporter culture,” in what is called conventionally the football legacy of the World Cup for Brazil.