SportBusiness.com

EURO 2008 final to generate €300 million

A study conducted by EURO 2008 sponsor MasterCard into the financial effects of Euro 2008 has said the economic impact of Sunday's final could be worth €300 million.

MasterCard’s study estimated that Vienna, Austria, would enjoy short and long-term gains of more than €100 million for hosting the final and that altogether Sunday's match would generate more than €300 million with the remaining economic impact being felt both within and beyond the two host nations of Austria and Switzerland.

The windfall for Spain, the winning nation, will far outstrip any prize money with the study, conducted on behalf of MasterCard by Coventry University, estimating that the winners will gain more than €90 million in knock-on effects including sponsorship deals, TV rights, growth in ticket and merchandise sales, tourism and a "significant injection in consumer confidence."

The study's authors said that the losing nation could expect an economic boost of more than €40 million, not including prize money, as a result of reaching the final.

Spain is set to pick up €23 million in total prize money from beating Germany in the Vienna final.