Introduction
Generally, spectacle refers to a memorable event due to the appearance it creates. Also, the word spectacle has been used in the seventeenth-century art in theater in English drama. On the other hand, the FIFA World cup is a soccer competition that is contested internationally by national soccer teams composed exclusively of male players. The competition is also referred to as Football World Cup or simply the World Cup. The countries of the national teams must be members of the worldwide soccer governing association known as Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). The first FIFA World Cup tournament took place in nineteen thirty whereafter; the contest has been conducted after an interval of four years. However, during World War Two, the competition did not take place. Recently, FIFA has been organizing women’s competitions which are officially known as FIFA Women World Cup. As with the men’s contests, the women’s competitions are also held after four years and take the format of the men’s competition.
The nature of the competition as a spectacle
The FIFA World Cup is a memorable event for all the stakeholders. Starting with the participating players, they have a lifetime experience where first-time players get a chance to play with veteran footballers. Also, the veteran and experienced players interact with their counterparts during the matches. Furthermore, these interactions are limited to the playing ground but rather also happen informally on a more personal basis. To the fans, the competition is an entertainment medium (Kim, 56). It creates all the excitement to both the people watching it live as well as those viewing it on electronic media. The event accommodates all types of people, including the young and the old.
The event is of grand nature. For instance, the preparation for the event is characterized by the improvement of the host nation(s) infrastructure, particularly in cities where the event takes place (Horne, 21). The tournaments venue is usually at full capacity, especially during the matches that approach the finals. Some people willing to watch the event are sometimes not able to secure a space due to a large number of people. The World Cup is internationally broadcast electronic as well as covered by print media. Through television and the internet, the event reaches almost all corners of the world; every country in all the continents of the world has a chance to watch the World Cup. However, some countries that are at war or where their governments restrict the broadcasting may fail to get the World Cup experience.
The FIFA World Cup is of commercial interest to many stakeholders. The organizers sell the rights to film and broadcast to a bidding international media organization that in turn gives local media houses the right to broadcast. This broadcasting of the event alone promotes many business establishments both directly and indirectly (Torgler, 290). In some countries, some matches are not broadcast on the national channels but rather on the subscription channels. Therefore, to watch the match, the viewer pays a fee depending on the match being played. Also, many businesses in the host nation(s) thrive during this period due to the presence of a large number of potential buyers. Moreover, the tourism sector in the host nation(s) experiences an upward turn in revenue (Torgler, 288). The event is also characterized by gambling and betting where individuals, as well as organizations, are involved. Individuals bet on the winning teams for money as well as other valuable things. Business establishments, including the media houses, promote their businesses by offering the audience a chance to win gifts and/or holidays by predicting the outcome of the World Cup tournaments.
The event is also characterized by the presence of dignitaries. Diplomats, including the head of state, are sometimes present, especially when the teams from their country are playing. Therefore, the World Cup is of importance to the governments of participating teams (Horne. 18).
Significance to the participating soccer teams and their fans
The FIFA World Cup competition enhances the status of the participating teams. On top of the financial benefits that the teams gain, the teams’ position in the “FIFA World Rankings” is improved; this system is useful in decision-making within the soccer field (Horne, 56). Moreover, the participating teams gain more professional experience, which is a vital factor, especially to players who play in commercial settings. The World Cup allows football club managers to scout for good players. Therefore, the competition gives players a chance to improve their careers.
The World Cup competition also has some negative effects. A team or a player might lose a good reputation out of failure to meet the expectations of the stakeholders. Moreover, teams that lost during the initial phases of the competition end up incurring a lot of expenses.
To the fans, the World Cup is a form of entertainment and leisure. The fans celebrate their favorite team’s participation and success. Moreover, the competition gives an opportunity to soccer fanatics to bet. Furthermore, the event supports a number of economic activities.
References
- FIFA Rankings.
- Horne, John D. Forecast and Actual Impacts of the 2002 Football World Cup Finals on the Host Countries Japan/Korea. 2004. University of Edinburgh, UK
- Kim, N., Chalip, L. Why travel to the FIFA World Cup? Effects of motives, background, interest, and constraints. 2004. Pergamon Press.
- Torgler, Benno. The Economics of the FIFA Football Worldcup, 2004. Vol. 57, Issue II, 287-300.