Billion dollar play-off. Peru playing for big stakes in 2018 qualification decider

November 9 – The 2018 World Cup play off between Peru and New Zealand could be worth at least $1.3 billion to the South American country if they are successful.

A report by current affairs programme Reporte Semanal in Peru and picked up by the New Zealand Herald estimated the economic benefit to the country could provide a boost of at least 0.5% to the Peru’s Gross Domestic Product, which last year was $192 billion.

Peru are bidding to qualify for their first World Cup in 35 years. A win would stimulate a huge boost in television revenue for football in the country as well significant marketing and sponsorship support from Peru’s biggest corporations.

Economist Jorge Carrillo also predicted the impact on bars, restaurants and clubs would be an average increase in revenue of around 10%.

Peru, who came fifth in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, play the first leg in New Zealand on Sturday November 11. The return leg in Peru is on Wednesday November 15. The winning teams will start their cash bonanza with a guaranteed $12 million, their share of qualifying for the final tournament.

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