Oliver Lue for In Defence of Marxism:
All told, costs to governments are estimated to be at least $82 million per game, though even that is likely an underestimate. While governments are trying to sell the huge costs of hosting the World Cup by promising $1 billion in tourist spending, as Jules Boykoff, a professor of politics and government states, it’s “Usually the big sponsors who are raking in the extra cash, not local businesses.” It’s no surprise, then, that 12 of the past 14 World Cups since 1966 have resulted in financial losses for host countries. Given all this, it’s convenient that the host city agreements also indemnify FIFA against any losses from protests or strikes!
Sporting events increasingly are just parties for the rich. They're the only ones who can afford the exorbitant costs. Tickets to the recent NBA Finals averaged close to $8k apiece. These are massive cultural events that all of us should have a right to experience and participate in, and it's being taken from us so some parasites can line their pockets with more money.