FIFA expects USD 1 billion World Cup income

FIFA anticipates that the 2010 World Cup in South Africa will generate a net gain of USD 1 billion in income, according to reports by the Financial Times. This will come from commercial deals but secretary-general Jerome Valcke feels it should not be thought of as profit but as reserve which will help the organisation handle future financial ups and downs. The tournament is expected to generate USD 3.3 billion in income from commercial deals; FIFA has spent USD 1.2 billion on the tournament and around USD 1 billion on development programmes and so the net income is estimated at USD 1 billion.

Valcke predicted that the commercial deals are likely to grow in future tournaments. But when asked about FIFA's riches he said, “We are not rich, we are making quite good money and thanks to the World Cup, because...that’s the only income we have. We should not talk about profit.”

Commenting on the whole process of getting ready for the South African World Cup, Valcke said, "There were difficult days and great days. There were days where you asked the question about how we will succeed, what do we need to ensure that we are moving on.” He said he became confident about the host country's readiness three months ago and added that he had thought he would reach that point earlier.

FIFA has a USD 650 million insurance in case the World Cup is postponed because of war, terrorism or natural disasters. “We have enough money to face any issue at the World Cup in South Africa,” said Valcke.

He acknowledged that there are some difficulties with the preparations for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. “There are a lot of challenges in Brazil . . . It will not be easier than 2010 but definitely Brazil will be a difficult one, and for different reasons.”