Qatar's World Cup preparations to host fans from all over the world is under the spotlight as the 2022 World Cup approaches.
An image has circulated on news websites and social media showing Qatar's expenditure on the World Cup, which begins this November.
It shows that this year's tournament will be the most expensive one in the history of football.
It will cost $220 billion, which is almost 20 times more than what Russia spent in 2018. According to the circulating image, the 2018 tournament only cost about $11 billion.
The infographic suggests that the nearly $4 billion cost of the 2006 World Cup in Germany was statistically insignificant.
While Brazil spent 15 billion dollars in 2014, South Africa spent 3.6 billion dollars to organize the 2010 World Cup.
The costs of hosting the World Cup in previous years, as well as in Qatar, will be detailed in this blog.
What is different about Qatar?
Qatar was chosen as the host country for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in a vote held at the International Football Association's headquarters (FIFA).
The vote took place in Zurich, Switzerland, and was attended by members of the Federation's Executive Committee.
In December 2010, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter announced that 22 members of the executive committee voted to award Qatar the 2022 World Cup.
The Qatari bid to host the 2022 World Cup promised to implement many economic measures and a long-term vision for environmental sustainability in energy and facilities.
Qatar also provided photographic renderings of the stadiums and other venues that will host the major event.
Qatar National Vision 2030
In 2008, Qatar unveiled its comprehensive development plan, known as Qatar National Vision 2030.
Qatar's National Vision seeks to transform the country into an advanced society capable of sustaining development and providing a high standard of living for its citizens by 2030.
Qatar's National Vision defines the country's long-term goals and serves as a framework for the development of national strategies and implementation plans.
Most of these massive infrastructure projects, such as new roads, metro stations, airports, hotels, and other tourist facilities, were designed before Qatar was awarded the World Cup.
Qatar has invested $220 billion in infrastructure and major development projects since winning the bid to host this tournament eleven years ago, according to government statistics and official statements.
These projects include constructing roads, bridges, tunnels, bicycle paths, public gardens, and parks, as well as preparing World Cup stadiums.
Along with the expansion of Hamad International Airport, new metro and tram lines, as well as hotel accommodations, have been built.
According to the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, the World Cup and the projects established are part of Qatar's National Vision 2030.
The Qatar 2022 World Cup will leave a transformative legacy for Qatar, according to Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy.
According to him, the significance of this global event extends beyond football games.
He sees it as a symbol of Qatar's National Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification, environmental protection, and human and social development.
How Much Did Qatar’s World Cup Stadiums Cost?
Several news reports have revealed that the Qatar 2022 World Cup stadiums will cost between $7 billion and $8 billion dollars.
The CEO of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, Nasser Al-Khater, revealed that World Cup projects and expenses totaled $8 billion.
Qatar’s Revenue From the World Cup
The Qatari government predicts that this tournament will attract a minimum of 700 thousand fans.
Economic research firms predict billions in tourism revenue for Qatar after the tournament.
The Qatari government also anticipates that tourism spending and economic activities associated with the World Cup will increase the country's GDP by 1.5%.
Bloomberg estimated that the World Cup will bring tens of billions of dollars to Qatar, including a rise in foreign direct investment before and after the tournament.
The 2018 Russia World Cup
In order to host the 2018 World Cup, Russia reportedly invested a significant amount of time and money in building new stadiums, remodeling existing stadiums, and creating a transportation infrastructure.
Twelve stadiums were built or renovated to host the event, which took place in 11 different cities across Russia, from the far west to the far east.
The World Cup was held in 12 different stadiums, three of which had been renovated and nine of which had been built specifically for the event.
Russia spent $11 billion on sports facility rebuilding, transportation infrastructure upgrades, and hotel facilities.
Some estimates indicate that Russia spent more than $13 billion to host the 2018 World Cup.
After hosting the 2018 World Cup, Russia gained numerous benefits.
Maya Lomidze, Executive Director of the Federation of Tour Operators in Russia, revealed that the World Cup brought more than $13.54 billion to Russia.
2014 World Cup in Brazil
Over $11 billion has been invested in Brazil's infrastructure in preparation for the 2014 World Cup. One-third of the funds were used to construct or repair stadiums in the 12 host cities.
According to Reuters, Brazilians protested the tournament's cost, demanding that it be used for hospitals, schools, and public transportation.
According to news reports, Brazil spent nearly $14 billion on stadiums, transportation, and infrastructure for the 2014 World Cup.
The Brazilian Institute for Economic Research discovered that the 2014 World Cup contributed $5 billion to the economy based on information from the Ministry of Tourism.
The Brazilian economy was predicted to grow to tens of billions of dollars by government reports.
2010 South Africa World Cup
In November 2012, the South African government reported that the 2010 World Cup had left an "intangible legacy" and cost more than $3 billion to organize.
The South African government reported spending $1.1 billion on stadium construction and upgrades nearly two and a half years after the event.
Transportation cost the most, with $1.3 billion for roads, railroads, and aviation, and $392 million for the nation's main ports.
Grant Thornton predicted a $6 billion boost to South Africa's economy from the month-long World Cup.
2006 Germany World Cup
The German government spent nearly $4 billion on infrastructure and stadium equipment to host the 2006 World Cup.
On the other hand, Germany made significant profits during the World Cup. Food, drink, and souvenir sales increased significantly across the country.
Sales increased to over 2.6 billion dollars, and tourism revenues increased by almost two billion dollars.
This report clarifies the significant cost disparity between the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the money spent on numerous infrastructure projects that were already covered by the country's 2030 development plan.
Unlike other host nations, Qatar's projects are long-term endeavors that will help the nation before, during, and after the World Cup.
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