Sports, Politics, and Society
The relationship between the demands of soccer fans toward their leaders and those of citizens toward politicians is an issue that, although superficially different, shares profound similarities. Both relationships are based on the delegation of power and the expectation that leaders will act in the best interest of the community they represent. Fans expect club leaders to make decisions that improve the team's sporting and financial performance. Similarly, citizens elect politicians to improve the living conditions of society.
In both cases, success is measured by results. For fans, success translates into sporting victories, titles, and a competitive team. For citizens, success is seen as an improvement in social well-being and living conditions. If results do not meet expectations, pressure for change is inevitable. Fan support is crucial to sustaining a club leader. Similarly, politicians need the support of the public to stay in power. Lack of support can lead to resignation or defeat in the next election.
Fans demand improvements to the club's infrastructure, the signing of good players, and sporting performance that makes them feel superior to others. Citizens, for their part, demand quality public services, safety, employment, and policies that improve their quality of life from politicians. Both groups use their voices to influence decisions, whether through protests at the stadium or demonstrations in the streets. In both cases, there is also a crisis of legitimacy, as credibility increasingly diminishes. Thus, the dynamics of power relations, in contexts as diverse as sports and politics, share the same pattern of expectations, demands, and accountability.
Tulio Guterman, Director – August 2025