EVALUATION OF SUSTAINABILITY AT MEGA SPORTING EVENTS: A STUDY OF THE FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022

Abstract

This dissertation examines the sustainability outcomes and financial implications of the Fédération ‘Internationale de Football Association’ (FIFA) World Cup Qatar 2022 (WC22), representing a unique case study of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) implementation in mega sporting events. Using a mixed-methods approach combining descriptive statistics and comparative analysis across three distinct phases - bid acquisition, event preparation, and post-event period - we evaluate Qatar's $200 billion investment in sustainable infrastructure and its alignment with Islamic finance principles. Our empirical analysis reveals several key findings. First, we document significant differences in sustainability frameworks between Qatar 2022 and previous World Cup events, with Qatar implementing the first comprehensive carbon-neutral strategy. Second, we find that Islamic finance instruments, particularly sukuk and Murabaha contracts, played a crucial role in funding sustainable infrastructure, providing evidence of successful Shari’ah-compliant project financing at scale. Third, our analysis shows that Qatar's sustainability investments generated positive externalities beyond the event, including enhanced institutional capacity and improved environmental standards. The results demonstrate that integrating Islamic finance principles with sustainability goals can create economically viable mega-event financing structures. Our findings contribute to the growing literature on sustainable finance by providing empirical evidence of how religious-based financial systems can support environmental and social objectives while maintaining economic efficiency. These results have important implications for future mega-event financing and sustainable development in emerging markets.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Islamic Studies