EPA
NOS Voetbal•vandaag, 09:40
The World Cup in Australia and New Zealand has been a great success both financially and sportingly, according to FIFA boss Gianni Infantino. “This was the best and biggest World Cup ever in women’s football,” said the Swiss two days before the final between Spain and England.
The World Cup has raised more than 570 million dollars (523 million euros). With that, FIFA almost breaks even. “We heard the critics beforehand,” said Infantino in a combative speech that has now become typical for him. “We would never recoup that 570 million, we would have to subsidize the tournament.”
“Well, if it had been necessary, we would have gladly given that subsidy. But we just happened to break even. We lost no money and organized the second largest sporting event in the world,” said the proud FIFA boss.
No monster victories
For the first time, not 24 but 32 countries participated in the World Cup. “I remember very well that there was criticism of that decision,” said the FIFA president. “Of course it was the usual criticism. That there would be results of 15-0, because the difference in level would be too great. It would be bad advertising for women’s football.”
EPAFIFA president Infantino in conversation with referee Frappart at the quarterfinals between Spain and the Netherlands
Monster scores failed to materialize in New Zealand and Australia. The biggest result was achieved by the Orange, which was 7-0 too strong for Vietnam. For comparison: at the World Cup four years ago, the United States won no less than 13-0 against Thailand.
“I’m sorry, but FIFA was right,” Infantino emphasized several times. “FIFA was right, as so often in recent years. FIFA was right again.”
Full equality
In terms of prize money, the Women’s World Cup has increased tenfold in eight years. Although the difference with the largest sporting event in the world – the World Cup for men – is still significant.
At the last edition, last year in Qatar, the prize pool was 400 million euros. Four times as much as the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which pays out a whopping 100 million in prize money.
EPA Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with FIFA President Gianni Infantino
“I say this to all women: you have the power to change things. Choose the right one battleschoose the right fights,” Infantino said. “Keep the momentum, keep dreaming and keep fighting for full equality.”
“Not just for equal pay at the World Cup, because we are already moving in that direction. But that won’t solve anything, because the World Cup is only one month in four years. And there are only a few players of the many thousands and thousands of football players playing .”
Infantino therefore asked TV channels to pay more for broadcasting women’s football. “You should pay a fair price for the competitions in all countries.”
NOSSpain – England
2023-08-18 07:40:18
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