Talking about football in Brazil is easy, as everyone knows at least what it is. The phrase “in Brazil, everyone is a football coach” expresses well the strength with which this sport reaches people here in our country. At this moment, about to the start of the World Cup, the tradition of decorating the streets begins to manifest itself, hang flags and, why not, speak ill of Dunga's call-up when selecting the team that represents the Brazil. But what about football ethics? What does this ethics involve? This text intends to introduce the concept of ethics and analyze how this ethics influences the most diverse ranges of football.
Ethics are understood as any rules that are given in a normative way. That is, there are rules of conduct that a person must follow, which vary from society to society, and which, by acting in accordance with these standards, make that person act in an ethical manner. Therefore, talking about ethics means talking about an action that is guided by a socially constructed pattern. Based on this concept, it is interesting to think about how ethics “marries” football in its most diverse parts: during the match; in the relationship between players; in the relationship between players and coach; between the teams; with the judge; with the team sponsors.
Perhaps the most expressive manifestation of football ethics is the introduction of “fairplay”. Fairplay means “fair play” and was spread by Baron de Coubertin, creator of the modern Olympic Games, based on the aristocratic English ideals of loyalty and honor. Well, from the elements loyalty, honor and fair play, we can already imagine what fairplay means in practice: honesty in the execution of the task and respect for the opponent. Handing the ball to the opponent, when the referee scores in favor of his team, is a very common example of the practice of fairplay on the field. Another less common example is the player taking over when he commits a foul, apologizing to the opponent and helping him to his feet.
The idea of fairplay is quite beautiful, as it seeks to treat sport as a playful practice, which refers to the pleasure of playing. However, we live in a capitalist world where money and professionalization guide this practice. You may have heard your parents or grandparents commenting that today's players are unethical; how good were those in the old days who didn't think about money: they liked to play and entered the field to win. Or heard about Garrincha's case, who didn't even want to know who he was playing against. Stories like these were very common and fit that historical context.
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Today, with extreme professionalism and, along with it, super salaries, many players are afraid of being hurt, playing more cautiously. Some even put their legs on insurance... But, returning to the subject, is it correct to say that football athletes today do not act ethically? If your analysis is rational, you will notice that they act ethically, since they do everything that is required of them. The thing to remember is that athletes are professionals and that “playing with your heart”, although it makes the sport more beautiful and passionate, it is not a contract requirement and, therefore, the lack of this item does not make the player less ethical in the exercise of his profession.
All of this brings us to a conclusion: football is perhaps the sport that is closest to becoming a commodity: the player is “sold” or “bought”; ticket prices are abusive; as well as the official shirts. At this time of the World Cup, football becomes even more marketable: Cup stickers album; official cafeteria of the pantry; official cup popcorn; official cup soda; official cup beer...
The questions then remain: What is the ethics existing in the use of the player as a commodity? And in the use of a sport and a championship (such as the World Cup) as a marketing tool, is it an ethically conducted action? Anyway, I don't have any answers either, but it's worth the reflection!
By Paula Rondinelli
Brazil School Collaborator
Graduated in Physical Education from the São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” – UNESP
Master in Motricity Sciences from the São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” – UNESP
Doctoral Student in Integration of Latin America at the University of São Paulo - USP
Soccer - PE - Brazil School
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
RONDINELLI, Paula. "Reflections on football ethics: on fairplay and money"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/educacao-fisica/reflexoes-sobre-etica-no-futebol-sobre-fairplay-dinheiro.htm. Accessed on June 28, 2021.
