ORGANISING SPORTS MEGA- EVENTS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT POLICIES: The Case of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Abstract

This chapter examines the organisation of sports mega-events (SMEs) and its relationship with achieving sustainable development goals. By focusing on the conditions of sustainability and guided by the results of previous studies, the chapter investigates the case of the organisation of the World Cup 2022 in the State of Qatar. Previous work on the 2022 World Cup has focused largely on Qatar's foreign policy objectives. In this chapter, the focus will instead be on the Qatar Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SCDL) - the organising body charged with delivering the World Cup - and its attempts at successfully organising a sustainable tournament. A critical literature review will be provided in order to highlight the main topics of debate in the area of SMEs and sustainability. Furthermore, a documentary analysis of related policy documents including Qatar Vision 2030 will be conducted. In this regard, the role of organising SMEs in achieving sustainable development will be discussed alongside the expected benefits from organising SMEs for Qatar. Special attention will be given to the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup.