Vancouver Mayor, Kennedy Stewart, has responded to an expert’s questioning of FIFA’s economic benefit to the city, stating that it is not his job to “crunch numbers.”
The expert, Simon Fraser University professor, Peter Hall, has raised concerns about the economic impact of hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Vancouver. He argues that the projected economic benefits of the event may not be as significant as initially thought.
In response, Mayor Stewart stated that it is not his responsibility to analyze the economic impact of hosting the World Cup. He believes that it is the job of the provincial and federal governments to assess the potential benefits and make a decision on whether or not to bid for the event.
The mayor also pointed out that the city has not yet received an official invitation to bid for the World Cup and that any decision to do so would require careful consideration.
Hall’s concerns stem from a report by the University of Toronto’s Martin Prosperity Institute, which found that the economic benefits of hosting the World Cup are often overestimated. The report states that the event can bring in short-term economic gains, but the long-term benefits are often minimal.
However, Mayor Stewart remains optimistic about the potential benefits of hosting the World Cup, stating that it could bring in significant tourism and international exposure for the city.
The mayor’s stance on the issue has been met with mixed reactions. Some believe that it is the responsibility of the city to thoroughly assess the economic impact of hosting such a large-scale event, while others agree with the mayor that it is not solely his job to do so.
As of now, Vancouver has not made a decision on whether or not to bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The city will continue to monitor the situation and make a decision based on the potential benefits and risks involved.
