Vasco overtake Flamengo as Brazilian club with most members

RIO DE JANEIRO - Vasco da Gama have surpassed rivals Flamengo as the Brazilian club with the most season ticket holders, the Rio de Janeiro side said on Tuesday.

Vasco said their database of paid-up members hit 143,346, up from just 33,400 on November 25, after a marketing campaign in which fans were offered a 50% discount.

"The record is ours. Let's go for more," the club said in a social media post. "We are a traditional club with hardworking and dedicated followers," it said in another.

Flamengo, who claim to have 45 million fans worldwide, have 139,718 season ticket holders, according to official club figures.

The surge in support for Vasco comes despite the club's less than impressive results this year.

The four-time Brazilian top-flight champions, who are managed by former Brazil national team boss Vanderlei Luxemburgo, are currently 12th in the 20-team Serie A standings with two rounds remaining.

Flamengo secured the title for a sixth time last month and hold a 16-point lead over second-placed Santos.