Business History of the FIFA World Cup

Trace the historic development of the World Cup with the University of York

As one of the most prestigious sporting events on the globe, the FIFA World Cup has taken on a level of scholarly significance. Analysing the tournament as a cultural and commercial phenomenon can help illuminate the role sporting mega-events play in our economies and societies.

On this three-week course from the University of York, you’ll trace the business history of the FIFA World Cup. Acknowledging the broader cultural, political, economic and social context of the tournament, you’ll examine its status as a business supported by a system of increasingly powerful monopolies

Analyse the World Cup as a mega-event and a product

After an overview of the history of the World Cup, you’ll begin digging into the commercial value of the tournament. You’ll analyse how the FIFA World Cup functions as a global mega-event and a marketable product.

Weeks 2 and 3 of the course will cover key trends and developments in the business and management of the World Cup, including sponsorship deals, media coverage, and the proliferation of other tournaments using the FIFA World Cup identity.

Build skills in sports business and management

This course will prepare you for further study within sports business and management. We hope you enjoy learning about the phenomenal success of the FIFA World Cup, and that it serves as a platform for advancing your interest in the field.

This course is designed for anyone interested in football, sport, or sports management.

Learners do not need any prior knowledge or experience to join this course.

• The World Cup in Historical Perspective
• Introductions
• Why a historical perspective?
• Early history of the World Cup
• "They think it's all over..."
• The World Cup as a Megaevent
• Introduction
• Development of megaevents
• Scale and Profitability
• Into injury time
• Product Development
• Introduction
• The Women's FIFA World Cup
• Other versions: under 17, under 20 and Beach Football
• Conclusion