July 7 – Last year’s Women’s World Cup contributed €284 million to France’s GDP, resulting in a net capital gain of €108 million, a report commissioned by the France Football Federation (FFF) and the tournament Local Organising Committee claims.
“In 2014, when the FFF decided to take over the organisation, I remember the scepticism surrounding the organisation, particularly with regard to the economic dimension,” said FFF president Noël Le Graët in a statement.
“Today, the economic results are positive. They prove that the efforts of Fifa, the LOC, the FFF, the leagues, and the host regions and cities have paid off.”
The study found that the average contribution to French GDP per spectator was €142. For every euro a fan spent, the tournament’s nine host cities and regions benefited from a return on investment between €2 and €20 of contribution to the French GDP.
Other key findings of the report included that 6.4 tonnes of food waste was collected and that 210,200 cigarette butts were recycled. It is also noted that during the tournament “21 matches offered audio-descriptive commentary for the blind and partially-sighted.”
“It is also a source of pride that football, with the organisation of a major women’s sporting event, brings significant direct and indirect economic benefits to the territories and the community,” said Le Graët. “The environmental effort should also be highlighted. In this sector, the FFF’s involvement, with the implementation of its eco-responsible policy, must continue.”
The United States won the tournament, defeating European champions the Netherlands 2-0 in the final in Lyon. Last month, FIFA awarded the hosting rights of the 2023 Women’s World Cup to Australia and New Zealand, whose joint bid saw off an outside challenge from Colombia. The 2023 finals will be the first to feature 32 participants.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1713505528labto1713505528ofdlr1713505528owedi1713505528sni@o1713505528fni1713505528