Comparing the competitiveness between brazilian and european football (SOCCER) (G-5) – interpretations and suggestions

World sport has been seen as a growing industry, generating revenues of roughly US$ 1 trillion a year. Playing a major role in this industry, football (soccer) is accountable for an annual turnover of approximately US$ 250 billion – Brazil’s share being approximately 1% of that amount. The growing marketing and globalization of football has brought up new topics such as: the risks associated with competitiveness; the need for professional management; creating corporate teams; sports strategies and marketing; accounting; accountability.This paper aims at: i) understanding the risks associated with the competitiveness of football leagues; ii) comparing the competitive balance in the five largest European football markets (Germany, Spain, France, England and Italy) in relation with Brazilian football and; iii) interpreting these results in view of the literature concerning sports administration