Promoting Peace in Brazilian Football Stadiums: The Empty Seats Campaign

The Brazilian government has launched an initiative to promote peace in football stadiums, known as the “Empty Seats Campaign.” This campaign aims to raise awareness about the consequences of violence in football and promote a safe and respectful environment for fans, players, and families.

During a recent match between Esporti Club Bahia and São Paulo Fuchibou Club at the Arena Fonte Nova, 384 empty seats were covered with uniforms of different Brazilian teams. This number represents the total number of lives lost to football violence between 1988 and 2023, based on research by sports journalist Rodrigo Vessoni. The empty seats serve as a poignant reminder of the irreversible consequences of violence and the importance of promoting peace in football.

The campaign tackles not only extreme violence but also serious issues such as discrimination, homophobia, xenophobia, attacks on women, and lack of religious tolerance. These actions can drive people away from the stadium and lead to lasting disappointment with football. Football is an important pillar of Brazilian cultural identity, and it is essential to promote a positive and respectful environment for all fans.

The Empty Seats Campaign is a partnership between the Federal Government, the Ministry of Sports, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), the National Organized Fans Association (Anatorg), and major Brazilian soccer clubs. The aim is to promote peace in stadiums, adopt positive behavior, and create a safe environment to report acts of violence.

Players and fans from both teams will participate in the event, sending a clear message that civil society, authorities, and sporting institutions all have a crucial role to play in creating a peaceful environment in football. Relatives of victims will also take part in a symbolic gesture for peace at the Arena Fonte Nova.

From Thursday, support for the Vacancy campaign will be reinforced on social media, with a range of content being shared by players, former players, clubs, organized fans, influencers, and other celebrities. Using the hashtags #OccupationForPeace and #PeaceInFootball, posts will include campaign materials, a mini-documentary featuring testimonies from families of victims of violence in football, and information on proposals from the Movement for Peace in Football.

Join the Movement for Peace in Football

Show your support for the Empty Seats Campaign and the Movement for Peace in Football by sharing the hashtags #OccupationForPeace and #PeaceInFootball on social media. Together, we can promote a safe and respectful environment for all fans and create a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved in football.