Economic Impact of Hosting World Cup

Ulvi Ismayilzada

Diplomová práce

Abstract:

This thesis examines the economic impact of hosting international football tournaments, specifically focusing on tourism and employment during the biggest football event, FIFA World Cup. By analysing the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the study investigates how these events influence international tourist arrivals and employment rates in the service sector. A review of research in the literature shows that hosting the World Cup generally does not have a good effect on the economy. The positive effects of the World Cup on the economy and the country are mainly attributed to the increase in the number of tourists and the increase in employment in the service sector. The aim of this research is to analyse these two possible positive economic effects. Using a quantitative approach, the research employs Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis to evaluate the relationship between hosting these tournaments and the selected economic indicators. For South Africa, the analysis spans 2000–2015, examining the tourism sector's response to the event, while for Qatar, the analysis covers 2007–2022, with a focus on employment in the service sector. Data is drawn from international sources such as the World Bank, IMF, national statistics bureaus, and FIFA reports. The findings confirm that hosting the World Cup led to increase in international tourist arrivals which is in line with perspective that suggests mega-events boost tourism. The result for impact of the World Cup on service sector employment indicates that job creation occurs in the years lead-up to the tournament.

Keywords

Football Tournaments, Economic Impact, Tourism, Service Sector, FIFA World Cup, Employment, Regression analysis, South Africa 2010, Qatar 2022

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 30. 3. 2025

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Obhajoba proběhla 3. 6. 2025
• Vedoucí: Ing. Lenka Rumánková, Ph.D.
• Oponent: Kateřina Matulová, externi

Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze

Provozně ekonomická fakulta

Magisterský studijní program:
Economics and Management