WHETHER PLAYING OR WATCHING, FOOTBALL EMBODIES A SENSE OF ROMANCE, REGARDLESS OF ONE’S PERSPECTIVE

Undoubtedly, this championship, like nearly every European tournament, exerts a “centrifugal force”, drawing attention from across the global football market!

Sports commentator and journalist Cem Dizdar analyzed the “Football Industry and European Championship” for readers of Business Diplomacy.

1- HOW WOULD YOU EVALUATE THE SPHERE OF INFLUENCE OF FOOTBALL IN THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP?

Given its global impact, it is fair to say that football holds a unique position as “the game above games”. However, the “active participation” of the past has been supplanted by the passive act of “watching”. The transition of football from an activity that engages individuals actively to one where they predominantly observe should not be underestimated. In this context, the European Championship holds significance for the reshaping and evolution of the football market, impacting both spectatorship and the fortunes of “emerging and waning” stakeholders. Undoubtedly, this championship, like nearly every European tournament, exerts a “centrifugal force”, drawing attention from across the global football market!

2- WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE POWER OF FOOTBALL IN RELATIONS BETWEEN COUNTRIES?

While perhaps not as pivotal as diplomacy or trade relations, I believe it still plays a supportive role in these domains. Similar to all sports, football promotes the ethos of resolving conflicts through play. While it may not directly prevent wars, it certainly presents an opportunity for fostering peace. Indeed, whether playing or watching, football embodies a sense of romance, regardless of one’s perspective. In this regard, football has the potential to catalyze growth and advancement across various fields if it is defined and approached correctly.

3- WHAT IS THE APPROXIMATE SIZE OF THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP IN TERMS OF ECONOMIC SIZE?

Although I am not an expert, I can share some insights I have gleaned from consulting with journalist friends like Koray Durkal on these matters. Here’s a summary: Germany’s tourism industry anticipates an influx of around EUR 250 million in revenue. Accommodation packages for this event are expected to be 40 per cent pricier compared to those for the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. UEFA is projected to generate EUR 2.4 billion in revenue through sponsorships. As part of EURO 2024, 80 clubs received EUR 2.3 million from a fund established by UEFA for climate protection projects by German amateur clubs under the slogan “United by Football – Together for Nature”. The tournament will allocate EUR 331 million in prize money. If the champions also win all their group matches, they will receive a total of EUR 28.25 million in rewards. UEFA will also allocate EUR 240 million to clubs that release players to participate in national teams.

4- WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD BE THE ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF THE PROMOTION OF THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP TO THE COUNTRY?

I do not think Germany needs to be promoted through football. Given its profound impact on philosophy, art, and engineering, the publicity generated by football may indeed be “fleeting” in comparison. On the contrary, a country that played a pivotal role in two of the world’s most devastating wars might indeed require careful management of its public image.

5- LET’S WRAP UP BY DISCUSSING YOUR FAVOURITES IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP. WHICH TEAM IS YOUR FAVOURITE?

Naturally, the national teams from Europe’s five major leagues are often considered the frontrunners. Namely, UK, Germany, Spain, France and Italy. Personally, I find the prospect of our country achieving victory, akin to Greece in 2004, far more exhilarating than simply identifying the favourites.