Women’s football has yet to capture the world’s imagination in the same way as the men’s game. The 2015 Women’s World Cup, which kicked off on Saturday in Canada, aims to close that gap.
In terms of sheer numbers, however, it still has a way to go: almost 3.5 million people passed through the turnstiles during last year’s World Cup in Brazil; just 1.5 million are expected this month in Canada.
But when you look at the financing of the two tournaments, it’s a wonder the disparity isn’t even wider…
Infrastructure: $14bn vs $250m
The boys
Last year’s World Cup in Brazil cost a total of $14bn (£9bn), according to estimates – the most expensive tournament in Fifa’s history, and more than twice the amount spent by the previous host, Germany, in 2010.
According to Reuters, about $11.3bn (£7.4bn) went on World Cup-related infrastructure improvements in Brazil. Of this, about $3.26bn (£2.1bn) was on stadiums. Of the 12 host cities, five needed brand new stadiums, built specifically for the tournament. Six further venues were extensively renovated, and one was demolished and completely rebuilt.
The girls
There are few details available about the amount shelled out by Canada on its own games. However, the government of British Columbia reported that about C$309m (£163m) of public funding was poured into its infrastructure for the current games. Two new stadiums were built, and four others upgraded – giving a facelift to the grounds in each of the events’ six host cities.
The sprucing up for the Women’s World Cup is doing double-duty too – Canada is hoping the set-up will stand it in good stead to win its bid to host the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
Ticket prices: $625 vs $132
The boys
A top tier ticket to the 2014’s World Cup Final in Rio de Janeiro would’ve set you back R$1,980 (£413), or you could have nabbed a spot in the cheapest seats for R$330 (£69).
The girls
A top tier ticket for the Women’s World Cup Final in Vancouver would cost you C$165 (£87), or C$50 for the lowest-price seat (£26).
Winnings: $35m vs $2m
The boys
After winning the World Cup in 2014, the German team was awarded winnings of $35m (£23m). A total of $576m (£378m) was awarded throughout the tournament.
The girls
The team that triumphs in the women’s tournament will pocket just $2m (£1.3m). It might sound stingy, but it’s double the sum taken home by the global champions in 2011, Japan. A total of $15m (£9.8m) will be on offer at the women’s tournament.
Turf wars: Grass vs artificial turf
The boys
Each of Brazil’s games was played on natural grass.
The girls
Fifa has insisted on the women’s tournament taking place on artificial turf. A group of female players – who argue that playing on the turf increases their risk of injury – responded by filing a sex discrimination claim to the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.
A lawyer representing the players said that installing real grass pitches would cost $2m to $3m at the most – less than one-fifth of the $27m Fifa spent on a recent film about its former president Sepp Blatter. However, Fifa refused to make the changes, and the players ultimately withdrew their complaint.