Izuchukwu Okosi
The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar came to a spectacular end on Sunday evening, with Argentina lifting the trophy for the third time after their triumphs in 1978 and 1986.
Prime Business Africa, therefore, examines the cost of hosting Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, the financial windfall for participating teams, the winners and losers from the mundial.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe tournament was considered by many as Lionel Messi’s last chance to win the title.The multiple Ballon d’Or award winner announced prior to the final that it will be the last World Cup game of his career.
The action did not disappoint, as Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties after a pulsating 120 minutes of football. The game ended 3-3 after extra time.
The Albeceleste were rewarded with the princely sum of $42 million in prize money as the new champions while France, the 2018 champions received $30 million.
Croatia who were runners last up in 2018 claimed third place and were handed the sum of $27 million.
READ ALSO: Qatar 2022: France Beat Morocco, Set Up Titanic Final War Against Argentina
Pride of Africa and the Arab natons, Morocco, who became the firsr African nation to reach the semifinals of the tournament got $25 million in prize money.
The quarterfinalists earned $17 million each while teams that reached the round of 16 stage were rewarded with $13 million each.
The teams that ended their campaigns in group stages will be get $9 million each. These teams are: Qatar, Ecuador, Wales, Iran, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Denmark, Tunisia, Canada, Belgium, Germany, Costa Rica, Serbia, Cameroon, Ghana, and Uruguay.
The participating teams in Qatar have earned their stripes and must be commended.
The players had a very difficult mid season and were demanded to play in a winter season.
Playing the World Cup in the winter is one factor and doing so whilst the season was ongoing was a big sacrifice from the players.
The players will now proceed on a much deserved break in choice holidays spots.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
