Fifa announces record $15bn World Cup revenues, exceeding targets
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- Fifa projects record $15bn revenues from this summer's World Cup, exceeding initial targets by $4bn.
- The boost, largely from hospitality and ticketing, strengthens Gianni Infantino's position and may influence future US hosting bids.
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Warum es wichtig ist
Fifa announced record $15bn revenues for this summer's World Cup, significantly exceeding initial targets, largely due to hospitality and ticketing. This financial boost comes amidst a controversial period for Fifa President Gianni Infantino.
Fifa will announce record $15bn (£11.2bn) revenues from this summer’s World Cup, significantly exceeding the targets set before the tournament.
Fifa’s member associations were informed of the boost in income by Gianni Infantino on Saturday. Originally the governing body had projected $11bn in earnings. Sources have indicated that hospitality and ticketing, especially through the steeply priced secondary market, account for a significant amount of the increase. Fifa takes 15% from the buyer and another 15% from the seller on the secondary market.
It is likely that football associations will reap the benefits of Fifa’s expanded World Cup pot, although details are yet to be finalised. The financial situation will come as a boost to Infantino, who will feel it further shores up his position after a controversy-ridden month in the US, Canada and Mexico.
There was widespread fury after Fifa was perceived to have bowed to pressure from Donald Trump in suspending the red card given to Folarin Balogun, the US striker, against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last 32. Fifa has said the decision was taken independently by its disciplinary committee but that has continued to fester among European FAs in particular. Infantino has nevertheless received more than 200 pledges of support from Fifa’s member associations for his re-election in March. The prospect of extra funds from bumper World Cup revenue is likely to dissuade some FAs from making any discontent public.
Such a bonanza may also increase the chances of the US hosting another edition in the near future. The next World Cup available for bids is the 2038 tournament. At a reception on Friday, Trump confirmed his country’s eagerness for a repeat performance. “You should choose the United States of America again,” he said. “This time we will leave Canada and Mexico out.” The US has also held talks with Fifa about hosting the Club World Cup in 2029.
On Saturday evening, VIP and hospitality packages for Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina, which was played in New Jersey, were still listed on Fifa’s ticketing portal. Tickets for the “trophy lounge” were retailing at $34,500 per person.
Fifa was contacted for comment.
Worauf zu achten ist
KI-Ausblick — Möglichkeiten, keine Fakten
Football associations will reap financial benefits from Fifa's expanded World Cup pot.
Sehr wahrscheinlich · Innerhalb von Monaten
The US will pursue hosting the 2038 World Cup.
Wahrscheinlich · Innerhalb von Jahren
Offene Fragen
- What are the finalized details of benefits for football associations?
- How will European FAs react to the financial boost regarding past discontent?
- Will the US successfully bid for the 2038 World Cup?
