Texas residents have recently expressed disappointment after being presented with data indicating that FIFA is set to profit over $11 billion from the upcoming World Cup, while host cities won’t receive tangible returns on their investments. This has led to many complaints against FIFA, as taxpayers in Texas do not see this as a fair deal.
New reports from the Texas Tribune have raised alarm among Texans, claiming that Dallas and Houston may not actually profit from hosting the upcoming World Cup, which will take place between June and July.
FIFA is set to profit over $11 billion from the event, but cities will have to pay for infrastructure and security at the matches, and will “get little tangible benefit in return.” According to these reports, Dallas and Houston won’t receive any revenue from ticket sales, concessions, merchandise, or parking.
Although these cities agreed to these terms, officials are already questioning whether public coffers will end up spending more than they receive in return for hosting the major global event. FIFA, on the other hand, maintains that the event will “generate significant economic activity (…) spanning tourism, hospitality, employment and long-term global visibility.”
Texas Residents React to FIFA’s World Cup Investments
Locals were angered by what they saw as an unfair deal between FIFA and these cities, with multiple users criticizing the organization: “So Texas hosts events, businesses, etc., and the people of TX are left with the bill while the owners get a huge payday, and the ‘leaders’ get their kickbacks? So the usual then.” Others had harsh words for FIFA, calling it a “corrupt organization eager to enrich themselves at the expense of the countries and cities that host their events.”
One person highlighted how these events are generally not worth the investment for cities: “I recommend reading what it costs a city to host a Super Bowl. All of these major events are just rich people throwing themselves parties on our dime.”
Not everyone was so pessimistic, though. One user said that FIFA is expecting millions of tourists, and “this alone will boost economic activity in the area substantially. It’s marketing for the city. Dallas is not only hosting games, but is also the media hub for the tournament.” Others agreed, saying, “At the very least, most of the tourists will have to get hotel rooms, which are at exorbitant prices. They’ll have to eat and get transport to the games. Those Texas businesses will make money.”
However, even these optimistic individuals have not explained how this will translate back into the public money invested in the events. In any case, the actual losses or profits of the World Cup will only be known after the event has taken place.
