STAKEHOLDERS PERCEPTION OF THE SECURITY LEGACY OF 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP IN QATAR

Abstract

In recent years the study of the legacy of sport mega-events from a management perspective has become more important, especially in terms of sustainable long-term benefits and return-on investment or objectives for host destinations. The hosting of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 will be a first for the Middle East and presents the country with an opportunity to showcase itself as a stable Arab state in a region that is often associated with conflict and terrorism. The World Cup also provides a valuable platform for earning international approval of the governmental policies and legislation meant to enhance the country’s security resilience beyond the mega-event. Thus, utilizing Preuss’ (2019) event legacy framework this study examined the security legacy of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar from a governance and policy perspective. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, key informant interviews were conducted with a range of safety and security officials from a range of different organizations involved in organizing the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The study’s findings illustrate that stakeholders consider the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar will have a significant positive safety and security legacy. Also, the hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will have a positive impact on the institutions participating in the event’s organization from a safety and security perspective which is also of significance for future international sport event hosting. Keywords: football, Qatar, FIFA, World Cup, 2022, safety, security, COVID-19

Date of Award	2022
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Science and Engineering