The Qatar World Cup is on course to generate record revenue for its organiser FIFA, insiders say.
The one-month tournament, which begins on November 20, is on course to top the roughly $5.4bn in revenue that the 2018 World Cup in Russia generated for football’s governing body, a person familiar with the matter said, asking not to be identified discussing confidential information.
FIFA has pre-sold broadcasting rights, about 240,000 hospitality packages and nearly three million tickets for the event, the person said.
Marketing sales for its 2019-2022 cycle, will exceed a budgeted figure of about $1.8bn, the person said.
The Qatar World Cup is sponsored by major brands including Adidas AG and Coca-Cola Co.
World Cup revenue has risen from tournament to tournament on the back of football’s growing popularity around the globe.
FIFA is projected to exceed a revenue target of $6.4bn for its 2019-2022 cycle, most of which comes from the Qatar World Cup, the person familiar with the matter said.
The body uses this money to organize tournaments for the men and women’s games, as well as at youth level, and develop the sport across 211 member associations.
Qatar, meanwhile, expects it to add as much as $17bn to its economy. It has witnessed a huge infrastructure spending spree with new stadiums, hotels and attractions waiting to welcome visitors.
Follow us on
