How can fans support sustainability in sports?

There are just over 200 days left to the kick-off of the FIFA World Cup, to be held in Doha, the first World Cup in the Middle East. Despite mixed reactions, especially regarding the dates of the tournament and the reported labour issues, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy has promised a better mega sports event.

In any major sporting event, preparations are always undertaken with spectators in mind. Therefore, spectators are important stakeholders who play a big role in the social and environmental legacy of mega sports events. Infrastructure is the most notable element that sports organizers consider essential, when striving for return-on-investment, since it is the “theatre of talent showcase” that attracts fans to watch their favourite athletes.

But what happens when the curtains come down after these sporting events? There is a major issue of sustaining facilities that have staged only a few matches, against the backdrop of huge public investment and amid economic challenges. Clear examples are the facilities used during the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups held  in South Africa and Brazil respectively, and the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Facilities to be used in the upcoming World Cup have demonstrated their intent in ensuring resources won’t go to waste. Plans include building stadiums that can be fully dismantled and repurposing the parts for other uses – Qatar has its work cut out.

So, where do the fans come in? And how can they contribute to supporting sustainable football facilities? Fans across the world, led by the FIFA Fan Movement, will be instrumental in contributing to the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in various ways. During their visit at the Al-Bayt stadium in March, fans were enlightened on how the stadium’s air-conditioning system will contribute to the reduction of carbon footprint.

There is a need to strike a balance between cultural exchange, economic growth and waste management.

In efforts to boost sports tourism as a route to achieve economic growth of host countries such as Qatar, paying for match-day tickets offers the fans an opportunity to contribute to decent work, as envisioned in SDG 8. Having dinner at places such as Damascus restaurant, as was seen by members of the FIFA Fan Movement prior to the 2022 World Cup Draw, is a clear example of how culture and sustainable facilities are inseparable.

Consumption and production of goods and services will always be high during sporting events, as a result of increased demand. This in itself puts pressure on existing local resources, in relation to management and disposal of waste. Hence, fans are important team-players in advocating for better waste management practices, as was saw during the 2018 World Cup, when fans were seen clearing litter in a stadium after a match.  

The voices of fans are critical when it comes to sports infrastructure of major sports events. From design to post-use, stadium developers need to consider different groups of fans. For instance, people with physical impairments also need to enjoy a World Cup match and so do children, who need to sit in a smoking-free areas. After the event, the surrounding communities should be able to access the facilities, which can, in turn, contribute to better health outcomes.

The fan experience needs to be felt long after the final whistle of the 2022 World Cup. The role of fans is no longer limited to watching the game, but to advocate for sustainable facilities, which will enhance stadium experience no matter how small their efforts appear.