Why Infantino's plans to sell off World Cup made no sense
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has gambled unsuccessfully on questionable ideas before, but his World Cup plans were ham-fisted and delusional from both a business and political perspective.
The World Cup is one of the most-watched and highly anticipated sporting events globally, and any plans to alter its format or sell it off would have significant implications for the sport, fans, and the tourism industry. Infantino's plans, which were widely criticized, seemed to overlook the complexities of the tournament's global appeal and the interests of various stakeholders.
From a business perspective, selling off the World Cup would have been a drastic move that could have damaged the tournament's brand and reputation. The event is a cash cow for FIFA, generating massive revenue from broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales. Moreover, the World Cup has become an integral part of the global sports calendar, and any attempts to privatize it would have faced fierce resistance from fans, sponsors, and broadcasters.
What's next to watch is how Infantino and FIFA respond to the backlash and criticism, and whether they will revisit or revise their plans for the World Cup. The tourism industry, in particular, will be keenly interested in how the tournament's format and hosting arrangements evolve, as the event draws massive crowds and generates significant revenue for host cities and countries.
Originally reported by espn.com. TourNews adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.