Within just a few weeks of the conclusion of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the 2014 host, Brazil had already revealed their World Cup logo that will mark the next event that is still four years away.

For many reasons both objective and subjective, new logos tend to be passionately debated for their character and style and The WC- 2014 logo is no exception. Brazilians have criticized the WC-2014 logo calling it amateurish and unrefined– a poor representation of Brazil’s design aesthetic.

Stylistic details of any design are almost always debated, as personal tastes vary widely around the world. But since The Brazilian Graphic Designers Association was not invited to participate in the development and selection of the mark, there has been industry outcry for the lack of seriousness and professionalism in the design endeavor.

Stylistic details aside (even though I am tempted to share my own opinions), there are just a few essential questions to answer among which are:

Is the style appropriate to the nation’s approach to this event and the culture of Brazilian Football? Someone has to decide.

Without the wordmark, does the logo clearly speak “FIFA World Cup?” Is there enough of, and the right kind of semiotic information to tell that story? How savvy is the audience and is there enough recognition in the shape of World Cup trophy to rely on it the way you could expect to rely on the shape of... say, a bicycle or a tree?

Without meaning, the artistic details of type, style, form and color have no relevance and the argument is reduced to a squabble over personal favorites.