Take a moment to think of the team you support and the team you consider to be their biggest local rival. Now imagine that rivalry being turned on its head.
The relationship between Brazilian Série A teams, Grêmio and Internacional, has been called “one of the fiercest football rivalries in Brazil, South America and the world”.
Both clubs are based in Porto Alegre in the Rio Grande do Sul (RS) region, which is being heavily affected by historic floods.
Yesterday they came together to launch a joint campaign Jogando Junto (‘Playing Together’) for the reconstruction of RS.
“The objective here is the unprecedented union of a centuries-old rivalry. We know about the rivalry built in our families, at the Sunday barbecue, in games. This rivalry exists, and will continue to exist, on the field. But, outside the field, we are sure, especially because we have spoken several times since the beginning of this tragedy, it will not exist. This union must serve as an example for all segments of our society that think differently. It's time to forget what makes us different and to all play together.”
Alessandro Barcellos, President, Internacional.
The campaign is symbolised by the colour purple, the result of the union of the clubs blue and red colours. The logo symbolises a handshake between the two. The campaign has a particular focus on encouraging companies to contribute, and there is also details on how individuals can donate too.
As one Brazilian journalist has put it, sport has “catalyzed a chain of solidarity across Brazil and the world, helping to present the tragedy and seek resources”. Watch the incredible video on the new Jogando Junto website and while there find links to show support and take action.
Many players have been supporting response efforts. Grêmio Goalkeeper Caíque was one of those on the front line rescuing victims of historic floods. In this video he speaks about moments of anguish and hope (translation available in captions option).
Impacts
Latest reports say that the floods have killed at least 150 people, displaced 600,000, and left more than 2 million affected. Officials estimate $2 billion of economic losses. Temporary cities for the homeless are being looked in to. The regional meteorological agency (MetSul) has said “In thirty years .. we have never seen similar devastation. Part of the municipality was obliterated.” They provide a series of photographs here. While water levels are continuing to drop, the agency also explains why the flooding will last for weeks here.
Internacional have mobilised fans, employees and players to support response efforts (translation available in captions option).
Clubs
A Grêmio action day included the club mascot coming to a temporary shelter to entertain young people.
In an interview, lifelong Internacional fan, Seu Solomar, expressed regret at not having saved his Inter flag before being rescued. Following this, he received an official Inter flag from the Club's management, and a special message from a player.
Internacional have been temporarily training at university facilities. They held an open training session for people who are sheltering in the university gym and employees of the university.
The Estádio Olímpico - the disused football stadium in Porto Alegre owned by Grêmio - may become a temporary city for people left homeless by historic floods in the region.
Reports suggest that Internacional estimates R$ 35 million (£6.3 million) is needed to recover everything that was lost and the expenses that will be incurred. No estimates have been published yet for Grêmio but it is analyzing preliminary impacts.
The three Rio Grande do Sul based clubs have met with a Minister from a newly created Ministry to deal with the response. Discussions including possible access to funding for the clubs.
Timings for a return of clubs to their home stadiums are still uncertain, though due to the need to regrow the pitches is likely to be a month at the least.
Tournament developments
Domestic league
All games in the Brazilian Série A league have been postponed for two rounds (roughly two weeks) by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). Their official statement confirming it also said "In recent days, Brazil has found itself radically affected by an environmental tragedy unprecedented in history, which directly impacted millions of people in the State of Rio Grande”.
The CBF had initially set out problems with a postponement and received criticism for its position. It changed its approach following a public letter from 11 Série A clubs, supported by four others in the league, asking for a postponement.
When the competition resumes of 1st June, and with their own stadium unavailable, Grêmio will play their first ‘home’ game, 700km away in Curitiba. The ther Rio Grande do Sul clubs have away games that week, but also have future ‘home’ games scheduled elsewhere in Brazil.
A CBF technical committee is meeting next week and will look in more detail at the football calendar. Among considerations, will be wider calendar impacts, to slots for CONMEBOL and FIFA organised games. In parallel some clubs are bilaterally discussing switching the dates of home and away ties to help.
Club continental tournament
Both Grêmio and Internacional are also competing in club tournaments organised by CONMEBOL (the South American Football Confederation).
Internacional have announced São Paulo as a venue for one match and also a game at the Alfredo Jaconi, which is home to fellow RS club, Esporte Clube Juventude. The club said “given the scenario in which the Clubs of Rio Grande do Sul are inserted, transcends any rivalry and values primarily solidarity and empathy”. Grêmio are still to confirm the location of their CONMEBOL games.
Women’s World Cup
At a FIFA Congress meeting, Brazil won a vote to become the host of the Women's World Cup in 2027. In an emotional speech welcoming the decision, Brazilian Football Confederation President drew attention to "a theme impacting all of us Brazilians, a tragedy, a catastrophe due to climate change in Rio Grande du Sol ... where we lost many lives". The Brazilian Minister of Sports, André Fufuca, dedicated the winning result to the people of Rio Grande do Sul, saying the region “will certainly be one of the host states of the 2027 Women's Cup”.
"A path that was synonymous with joy and encouragement, today is just devastation and lament ... We're going back, we're going to rebuild our neighbourhood, but we need you, your help!" says Grêmio football club. The video shows the flooding in the local area before then focusing on their stadium.
Elsewhere
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“I want to say that I'm thinking about everyone in Brazil, I'm trying to do my best to help. I think it's a sign, perhaps a lesson from this terrible situation, that we should think more about the future."
William Troost-Ekong, Nigeria Captain.
And also:
Saved by the whistle: the stories of referees who were victims of the flood. “Referees are some of the agents most affected by the lack of football. Unlike players, for example, they don't have a salary. They get paid per game.”
Ronaldinho and Cafu are among players taking part in a solidarity match on Sunday.
Participants of Real Madrid's Foundation programme in Porto Alegre, Brazil, have been helping families affected by the floods
Argentinian club, Estudiantes de La Plata, have launched a donation campaign to help those affected by the unprecedented floods. In doing so, they become the first club outside of Brazil to do so.
Finally
The clubs in the affected areas continue to play an essential role in the response. This includes through communication with the people of Rio Grande do Sul and beyond, the use of club facilities, and the participation of their people in response efforts. This update has only touched on some of those efforts.
For the latest, please follow their twitter feeds: Grêmio FBPA, Gurias Gremistas, Sport Club Internacional, Gurias Coloradas, and E.C. Juventude.
Housekeeping
Most of the information here is provided using online translation tools which affect their accuracy.
For more regular updates please follow the sources in the links. The Football and Climate Change Newsletter social media account is also endeavouring to repost developments.
Further emails to your inbox on the latest developments in Brazil may follow as and when.
Fran James (he/him)
Football and Climate Change Newsletter
footballandclimatechange@gmail.com
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