FIFA is poised to announce a historic revenue of $15 billion (£11.2 billion) generated from this summer’s World Cup, greatly surpassing its initial projections.
Gianni Infantino informed FIFA’s member associations of the income surge on Saturday. The organization had originally estimated earnings of $11 billion. Reports suggest that a substantial part of the revenue increase is attributed to hospitality and ticket sales, particularly from a robust secondary market. FIFA collects a 15% fee from both buyers and sellers in this marketplace.
Football associations are expected to benefit from this expanded financial windfall, although specific details remain to be finalized. This financial boost is likely to reinforce Infantino’s position following a tumultuous month characterized by controversies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
There was significant backlash after FIFA appeared to yield to pressure from Donald Trump regarding the suspension of a red card issued to US striker Folarin Balogun during the last 16 match against Paraguay. While FIFA maintains that the disciplinary committee made its decision independently, this issue has lingered, particularly among European football associations. Despite this, Infantino has garnered over 200 pledges of support from FIFA’s member associations ahead of his re-election campaign in March. The promise of additional funds from the World Cup’s impressive revenue is likely to deter some associations from voicing their discontent publicly.
This financial boon could also enhance the prospects of the US hosting another World Cup in the near future, with the next available bid being for the 2038 tournament. At a reception on Friday, Trump expressed his country’s enthusiasm for a second hosting opportunity, stating, “You should choose the United States of America again,” Additionally, the US has engaged in discussions with FIFA regarding the possibility of hosting the Club World Cup in 2029.
As of Saturday evening, VIP and hospitality packages for the final match between Spain and Argentina, scheduled to take place in New Jersey, were still available on FIFA’s ticketing portal, with prices for the “This time we will leave Canada and Mexico out.” reaching $34,500 per person.
FIFA was reached out to for further comments.
