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- France 2019 generated €108m net capital gain for French GDP
- Average spend per spectator was €142
- 6.4 tonnes of food waste donated and one tonne of bottle caps recycled
The 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup made a €284 million (US$318 million) contribution to the GDP of host nation France, according to a new report published by national soccer body the French Football Federation (FFF) and the local organising committee (LOC).
The study, which was carried out over recent months, found that hosting the national team soccer tournament generated a net capital gain of €108 million (US$121 million) for France’s GDP.
The report was published a year after the conclusion of the tournament, which attracted 1.2 million French and international spectators, as well as a global television audience of over one billion viewers.
The study stated that the average contribution to French GDP per spectator was €142 (US$157). In addition, for every euro 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.
As well as economic benefits, the report noted that 6.4 tonnes of food waste was collected and donated to local community-based associations, while one tonne of bottle caps and 210,200 cigarette butts were recycled.
In addition, four of the host stadiums were equipped with a new two-flow bin system for waste and recyclables. Three venues were fitted with an audio-descriptive commentary system to remain in place after the tournament.
“The first satisfaction is to have proved that a women's football competition can win popular support and help to change the perception of women's football,” said Noël Le Graët, president of the FFF and the LOC.
“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. 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.
“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. 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 2019 Women’s World Cup was won by the United States, who beat the Netherlands 2-0 in the final.
It was recently announced that Australia and New Zealand will co-host the next edition of the tournament in 2023, when the event will feature 32 teams for the first time.
