ABSTRACT
Considering the vast cultural, social and economic impact football has had in Brazil it is not surprising that over the past 80 years the Brazilian state has given special treatment to football, particularly through promoting its practice, the enactment of laws and subsidies. At the same time, the country has benefited from the international recognition football provides due to the high profile of the men’s national team. This chapter discusses the role of the Brazilian state with respect to the structure of the football industry. Specifically, it discusses how different government actions, such as legislation and other initiatives, have influenced the sport in Brazil.
