For example, Italy's Serie A is currently descending into a chaotic mix of racism, violence and corruption. Three teams - Napoli, Reggina, and Vicenza have been ordered to play home games away from their stadiums as a punishment for their fans' violent behaviour. Stoning, petrol bombing, stabbings and rioting have become regular features of Italian matches this season. Both religion and football require obedience to particular rules, codes of conduct that must not be broken. Whether it's the Ten Commandments or the requirement to hate Celtic if you're a Rangers fan.
Football does dominate the lives of many.
But I don't think having dedicated fans is enough to class football as a religion. There is no belief in a super-human controlling power in football. Fans watch, support and maybe even worship eleven men running around a pitch every weekend. That doesn't seem very spiritual. Gods are worshipped by their devoted followers irrespective of their current track record.