Gianni Infantino, Optimistic About 2023 World Cup Breaking Even
Auckland, NZ— Despite the prize money increase, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced on Wednesday that the 2023 World Cup will break even with revenue of about half a billion dollars. This is the first time the women’s tournament has been commercially treated separately from the men’s World Cup.
“To be reaching the stage where our costs are covered is a significant milestone,” FIFA secretary-general Fatma Samoura said of the approach. Instead of funding all our competitions with one event, this method is more sustainable.”
New Zealand and Australia host the 2023 World Cup from Thursday to August 20. The tournament begins Friday at 9 p.m. ET with the US playing Vietnam.
FIFA has been criticized for overlooking women’s soccer’s commercial potential. Infantino sees business opportunities in investing in women’s soccer.
FIFA’s $152 million prize pool, triple the amount from four years ago, has paid off. Sponsorship, broadcast, ticket, and merchandise sales have offset the higher costs.
Despite this positive development, work remains. Men’s and women’s tournament prize money remains disparate. FIFA announced a minimum payment of $30,000 for each player in the women’s tournament, but national federations may not ensure that players receive these payments.
Infantino was also disappointed by some TV rights deals, particularly from European broadcasters. He remains optimistic, emphasizing that these initial steps are part of a journey.
Infantino stressed the importance of getting broadcasters to regularly show women’s soccer to grow the sport globally. Over the next few years, FIFA would expand women’s football in this way.
In conclusion, Infantino’s investments and promotion of women’s soccer have made the 2023 World Cup commercially viable. Women’s football is poised for further growth after the tournament’s success.
