FIFA reveals record US$7.5 billion revenue for Qatar 2022 cycle

World football governing body FIFA has reported record revenues of US$7.5 billion during the four-year commercial cycle leading up to the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Revealing its earnings to officials from more than 200 of its members as the World Cup commenced yesterday, FIFA confirmed that it had sold out all sponsorship packages for the tournament with revenue figures eclipsing the previous high set during the 2018 tournament in Russia by more than US$1 billion.

The extra income was buoyed by commercial deals with the World Cup host country with Qatar Energy joining as a top-tier sponsor while YouTube, Visit Las Vegas and Fine Hygienic Holdings had been added to the regional, third-tier supporter category.

Announcing the income, FIFA President, Gianni Infantino stated “it is fantastic to forge such fruitful collaborations with our valued commercial partners and sponsors for this incredible spectacle - the first-ever FIFA World Cup in the Middle East.

“Their support not only contributes towards the successful delivery of this ground-breaking tournament, but it also ensures that essential funds are channelled to our 211 member associations and various worldwide programmes which contribute to the ongoing development of the game worldwide, helping to make football truly global.”

FIFA Chief Business Officer, Romy Gai added “the FIFA World Cup presents our commercial affiliates with unprecedented engagement opportunities.

“Our partners have already delivered a variety of world-class fan activations and initiatives in the build-up to the event, and we will continue to work hand-in-hand with them so that they can achieve their goals whilst enhancing the FIFA World Cup experience.”

Image: FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.