Author: Shreyas Sharma
President Lula recently appointed André Fufuca as the new Minister of Sport, following Ana Moser’s resignation. But who is André Fufuca and what can we expect from his management of the Ministry of Sport?
André Fufuca, a medical graduate, entered politics at a remarkably young age. At just 21 years old, he was elected to the state legislature in 2010, representing the PSDB. Four years later, he successfully ran for federal deputy. One of the most remarkable moments in Fufuca’s political career took place in 2017, when he temporarily presided over the Chamber of Deputies for seven days.
Fufuca’s appointment to this important portfolio is seen as a strategic move by President Lula to strengthen ties with the current Speaker of the House of Representatives, Arthur Lira, since both belong to the PP party.
However, one aspect of André Fufuca’s new role that remains uncertain is his position on sports, including the controversial issue of e-sports. To date, there is no record of his involvement in the sports field, and he has not articulated his vision for the future of national sports or his position on e-sports.
:strip_icc()/i.s3.glbimg.com/v1/AUTH_08fbf48bc0524877943fe86e43087e7a/internal_photos/bs/2021/E/1/QqihwcSgSBrTDzkP0NSw/2015-10-28-dota-2-campeonato.jpg)
The issue of e-sports was a source of controversy during Ana Moser’s tenure as Sports Minister. Moser attracted attention and criticism when he expressed his opinion that “e-sports is an entertainment industry, not a sport”. She also stated that e-sports would not receive financial incentives from the Ministry of Sports. This stance generated significant discomfort in society and the sports community.
Ana Moser’s departure from the Ministry of Sports was part of President Lula’s broader ministerial reorganization plan, aimed at accommodating the PP and the Republicans in the federal government.
When André Fufuca takes over as head of the Ministry of Sport, the sports community and the public are eagerly awaiting his official position on sports, and especially on e-sports. It remains to be seen how he will address these issues and shape the future of sports in Brazil during his term.