[mkdf_dropcaps type=”normal” color=”#f55549″ background_color=””]T[/mkdf_dropcaps]he 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France boosted the French GDP by $461 million, according to a new report published by the French Football Federation (FFF) and the local organising committee (LOC).

The study, published a year after the conclusion of the competition, reported a positive socio-economic and environmental legacy for France by hosting the multi-national tournament, which brought in more than 1.2 million French and international spectators, and totalled a global TV audience over one billion.

The findings also identified the average contribution to the French GDP per spectator was $230, and that for every euro spent, the tournament’s nine host cities and regions received a return on investment between €2 ($3.25) and €20 ($32.50) of contribution to the French GDP.

FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, said the 2019 World Cup saw unrivalled success compared to any women’s football event before it.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 was an unprecedented success, breaking numerous records on and off the pitch,” Infantino said.

“In line with FIFA’s commitment to organise tournaments in a sustainable way, this report further highlights the lasting impact and legacy of France 2019, not only for women’s football, but also for the local economy and the society.

“As FIFA now begins a new journey towards the next FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, we would like to warmly thank France, the FFF and the local organising committee for their commitment to delivering a sustainable legacy for France 2019 and look forward to working together with Australia and New Zealand to break new records in 2023 and further boost women’s football in the region and around the world,” he said.

In addition to the economic boosts France saw from hosting the tournament, the report stated 6.4 tonnes of food waste was collected and donated to local community-based associations, with one tonne of bottle caps and 210,200 cigarette butts recycled.

As well as this, four of the host stadiums received new two-flow bin systems for waste and recyclables and were fitted with audio-descriptive commentary systems that have remained in place following the tournament.

FFF and LOC president, Noël Le Graët, said the findings of the report are a proud moment for women’s football.

“The first satisfaction is to have proved that a women’s football competition can win popular support and help to change the perception of women’s football,” Le Graët said.

“In 2014, when the FFF decided to take over the organisation, I remember the scepticism surrounding the organisation, particularly with regard to the economic dimension.

“Today, the economic results are positive.

“They prove that the efforts of FIFA, the LOC, the FFF, the leagues, and the host regions and cities have paid off.

“It is also a source of pride that football, with the organisation of a major women’s sporting event, brings significant direct and indirect economic benefits to the territories and the community.

“The environmental effort should also be highlighted.

“In this sector, the FFF’s involvement, with the implementation of its eco-responsible policy, must continue,” he said.

This report shines even further optimism for Australia and New Zealand, who were recently awarded the rights to host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the event set to become the first time 32 teams will feature.