The B-side of Sporting Mega-Events

Currently, countries and cities compete to capture different particular forms of cultural and economic capital with which to strengthen their urban identity. Thus, the so-called mega-events have turned out to be very relevant city marketing strategies that reinforce the image of the host places. However, their celebration also carries a series of negative impacts. This research focuses on sporting mega-events (Olympic Games and FIFA World Cups), analyzing those variables that show the appearance of tensions due to their celebration: economic debt, social discomfort, corruption, terrorism, pollution and gentrification. To do this, a multi-technical methodology is used based on bibliographic review and the analysis and processing of statistical data from different international organizations. The results reveal an internal problem in these sporting mega-events where the implementation of effective measures is essential.