Disclosure of Financial Statements: A Study on the Level of Accounting Disclosure of Brazilian Soccer Clubs in 2013

Abstract

The present study sought to analyze adherence to CFC Resolution No. 1429/13 in elaboration and disclosure of Financial Statements by Brazilian clubs. Through a checklist inspired by Raschka, Wallner and Costa (2008), we analyzed this adherence in 2013. We observed that the specific criteria and procedures for the evaluation, accounting records and structuring of the Financial Statements of professional soccer entities 53.04% of the items recommended by CFC Resolution No. 1429/2013. The results pointed that there is a significant variation in the disclosure process between the clubs, which makes it difficult to understand accounting records and assess the shareholders’ equity of soccer clubs. This lack of standardization to the accounting practices in accordance with NBC ITG 2003 complicates any interpretation of accounting records and assessment of the heritage of soccer bodies, increasing the risk of a wrong decision making on the purchase, sale or training players. These decisions affect the club’s finances, and create barriers to investors, since they cannot identify the real situation of the club and calculate investments. Due to the economic importance, cultural and social development of soccer clubs, this study has greatly contributed to the development of a discussion on accounting level disclosure practiced in the club, as this new standard of conduct seeks to maximize the level of accounting disclosure as a requirement for behavioral change of both the leaders and the organizational, economical and financial development of sports entities.