Hosting the FIFA World Cup is not just about building a football stadium. On the contrary, a country needs to provide various international-class facilities to ensure that the world's largest tournament can run smoothly.
These include a modern transportation system, tight security, broadcasting facilities, accommodation for tourists and operations throughout the tournament.
Overall, the cost of hosting the World Cup is estimated to be between RM80 billion and RM150 billion.
This amount depends on several factors such as the number of new stadiums that need to be built, upgrading existing infrastructure, developing a transportation system and management and operational costs throughout the tournament.
A large portion of the expenditure is used to build or upgrade stadiums according to FIFA standards.
In addition, funds are also needed to expand the MRT, LRT, road and airport networks.
The cost also involves the construction of hotels and accommodation, media and broadcasting centers, security and control systems, as well as providing complete training centers for each competing team.
Malaysia actually already has several modern stadiums such as the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Sultan Ibrahim Stadium and Shah Alam Stadium which are currently being redeveloped.
However, the number of FIFA-class stadiums and other support facilities is still not sufficient to meet the requirements for hosting the World Cup.
FIFA also set requirements such as around 10 to 14 world-class stadiums, dozens of training centers, an efficient transportation system, tens of thousands of hotel rooms, and international-class digital infrastructure and security.
Although it requires huge investments, hosting the World Cup can provide various benefits to the country.
It can boost the tourism sector, create job opportunities, strengthen Malaysia's image internationally and accelerate infrastructure development.
In addition, this tournament also has the potential to generate economic activity in various sectors. For Malaysia, hosting it together with ASEAN countries is seen as a more realistic option than hosting it alone.
