A first England failure to qualify for the World Cup in 20 years could cost the British economy up to £2 billion, it was claimed today.
The national team is preparing for its crucial group match with Ukraine in Kiev tonight, with England needing to avoid defeat, or automatic qualification for Brazil will be out of their hands.
The FA has been warned of a commercial “disaster” if the squad’s campaign fails, with losses of up to £50 million in potential prize cash, merchanding sales, and sponsorship deals.
But this would be dwarfed by the knock-on effect for the broader economy — pubs, supermarkets, airlines, bookmakers and TV retailers could expect a huge boost in revenues from England’s participation in the World Cup.
The British Retail Consortium estimated that qualification to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa was worth £1 billion. However, some economists say the “feel good” factor generated if England have a good run could boost the value of qualification to £2 billion.
A defeat would mean England could face a daunting play-off to reach next year’s tournament.
