Yet their football stadia are always full, even for non-international matches. I think it has more to do with lack of interest for sport other than football. Even the free events, the Marathon for example, haven't attracted the crowds seen in London. I don't know what the ticket prices are in Rio, but we paid £50 each for a morning at the London rowing, we considered it great value, and my OH doesn't let the moths out easily, it compares well with a 90 minutes football match.