This summer’s World Cup will generate a record $15 billion in revenue – significantly more than the $11 billion forecast before the tournament, reports The Guardian.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino informed the organization’s members on Saturday about the increased revenues.
Initially, FIFA expected to earn $11 billion. The significant revenue growth was driven by hospitality package and ticket sales, especially in the secondary market, where tickets were sold at very high prices.
It is likely that the financial benefits generated by the expanded World Cup will also reach national football associations, although the final details of fund distribution have not yet been confirmed.
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The improved financial situation is favorable for FIFA President G. Infantino, who, after a scandal-marked month in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will be able to further strengthen his position.
The situation that caused great outrage was when FIFA was accused of yielding to pressure from US President Donald Trump and overturning the red card shown to US team forward Folarin Balogun in the round of 16 match.
Despite this, G. Infantino has already received promises of support from more than 200 FIFA member associations for the FIFA presidential elections to be held next March. It is likely that the record World Cup revenues and the opportunity for national associations to receive greater financial support will deter some of them from publicly criticizing FIFA leadership.
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