The results of the impact study
FIFA, the FFF and the Local Organising Committee of the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 published on Monday the results of the economic and environmental impact study of the competition organised in France from June 7 to July 7, 2019.
Hailed for its success in terms of attendance and television audience, the 8th edition of the women's World Cup (24 teams) attracted 1.2 million French and foreign spectators (for 52 matches) at the competition's nine host stadiums*. These results, the most significant in the history of the Women's World Cup, have been confirmed in terms of its economic impact in France on both a regional and national scale.
The economic impact study of the event, carried out and consolidated over the last few months, reveals €284 million in spin-offs for Gross Domestic Product (GDP), including €108 million in net capital gains for France. For every €1 spent, the nine cities and territories hosting the competition have benefited from a return on investment of between €2 and €20 in terms of contribution to GDP. Such significant economic spin-offs have been a benefit to numerous activities, including the hotel and restaurant sector (€18.2 million), transport (€7.3 million), sports associations and personal services (€9.5 million), education, social and health (€12.5 million), commerce (€9.1 million) and construction (€4.9 million).
The environmental impact study also reveals that 10 out of the 15 Eco-responsible Charter commitments signed with the government commitments have been achieved at 100%, in particular the control and optimisation of energy and water consumption, respect for natural sites, accessibility for people with disabilities and the promotion of volunteer work.
On a local level, the promotion of soft and public transport, anti-waste food policy (6.4 tonnes of food recovered and redistributed), waste management, collection and recycling (210,200 cigarette butts recycled) notably enabled achievement of eco-responsible management of the event (0.8 tCO2e avoided). The total carbon footprint of the tournament was 341,620 tCO2e, mainly due to international air transport.
(*) Grenoble, Le Havre, Lyon, Montpellier, Nice, Paris, Reims, Rennes and Valenciennes.
REACTIONS NOËL LE GRAËT AND GIANNI INFANTINO
Noël Le Graët, President of the FFF and of the Local Organising Committee :
"The first, is the satisfaction of proving that a women's football competition has brought people together, gained popular support and contributed to changing perceptions and mentalities towards women's football. In 2014, when the FFF decided to organize he competition, I remember there was a certain amount of scepticism, especially regarding the economic impact. Today, the economic results are positive. It proves that for the FIFA, LOC, FFF, leagues, host districts and cities hosting the competition has paid off. It is also a source of pride that football, and organising a major women's sporting event, can have significant direct and indirect economic benefits to territories and communities. Environmental initiatives should also be highlighted. The FFF's involvement, and its implementation of its eco-responsible policy, must continue".
Gianni Infantino, FIFA President:
"The 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup is a landmark competition because of the number of records broken both on and off the pitch. Confirming FIFA's commitment to the sustainable organisation of its competitions, this report highlights the impact and legacy left by France 2019, not only for women's football but also for local economies and societies. As we embark on the road to the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, we would like to warmly thank France, the FFF and the Local Organising Committee for their determination to provide a legacy for France 2019. We now look forward to working alongside Australia and New Zealand to set new records in 2023 and further boost women's football regionally and globally".