Amman, June 3 (Petra) – The Jordan Economic Forum (JEF) has
underscored the significant economic potential of football in the
Kingdom, highlighting Jordan’s historic qualification for the 2026
FIFA World Cup as a strategic opportunity to stimulate investment,
tourism, and sustainable growth across multiple sectors.

In a paper titled “The Economics of Football in the Kingdom: Reality,
Challenges, and Post-Qualification Opportunities,” the forum examined
the current state of Jordan’s sports sector, with a particular focus
on football as the Kingdom’s most popular sport and a key driver
within the global sports economy.

The paper noted that the national team’s achievements in recent years
have reinvigorated Jordan’s sports landscape, attracting growing
local, regional, and international attention to Jordanian football
and generating economic and developmental opportunities that extend
beyond the sporting arena.

According to the forum, the Kingdom’s continued support for the youth
and sports sectors is reflected in its institutional infrastructure,
sports facilities across the governorates, Royal directives
supporting youth and sports initiatives, and the sustained efforts of
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein and His Royal Highness
Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, President of the Jordan Football
Association, in advancing Jordanian football and strengthening its
competitiveness.

The paper said this approach is aligned with the Economic
Modernization Vision 2022-2033, which identifies sports as part of
the future services sector due to its role in enhancing quality of
life and supporting comprehensive economic and social development.

On the sector’s economic performance, the paper indicated that the
output of sports, recreation, and leisure activities reached JD29.5
million in 2023, according to Department of Statistics data, compared
with more than JD56 million before 2019. While the sector has
gradually recovered from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, its
contribution remains below previous levels.

The sector’s added value totaled approximately JD20.9 million in
2023, reflecting its direct contribution to the national economy
after production costs, although the paper noted that its economic
impact remains modest relative to public interest in sports.

The forum highlighted the Ministry of Youth’s role in developing the
sports environment through operational and capital spending, noting
that capital expenditures accounted for an average of 38 percent of
the ministry’s total spending over the past five years.

Reviewing football’s development in Jordan since its introduction in
the late 1920s, the paper described the sport as a major economic and
social asset linked to an integrated ecosystem that includes clubs,
competitions, broadcasting rights, sponsorships, player transfers,
sports infrastructure, and employment opportunities.

The paper also praised reforms implemented by the Jordan Football
Association and the launch of the Jordanian Football Strategy
2025-2029, noting that these efforts have contributed to a series of
landmark achievements, including reaching the AFC Asian Cup final,
finishing runners-up in the Arab Cup, and securing the Kingdom’s
first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup.

It added that Jordan’s FIFA ranking has climbed to 63rd globally,
while the national team’s market value has risen to approximately
€19.83 million. Meanwhile, the market value of the Jordanian Pro
League has reached around €31.03 million, supported by increasing fan
attendance, digital engagement, and growing public interest in
domestic competitions.

The paper stressed that World Cup qualification represents more than
a sporting milestone, describing it as a catalyst for economic growth
that could increase tourism flows, attract investment, expand
sponsorship opportunities, and strengthen sectors such as
hospitality, transportation, marketing, and sports-related services.

It further noted that the global visibility generated by
participation in the World Cup can enhance Jordan’s international
profile, create new opportunities for tourism promotion and foreign
investment, and support broader cultural and economic outreach
efforts.

The forum pointed to a sharp rise in public and digital engagement
with the national team, saying the expanding fan base presents
opportunities to develop new business models in sports marketing,
sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and digital content.

To maximize these opportunities, the paper called for strengthening
sports investment through enhanced governance, deeper private-sector
partnerships, and the gradual transformation of clubs into
professionally managed sports companies capable of generating
sustainable revenues and attracting long-term investment.

It also urged continued investment in sports infrastructure,
modernization of stadiums and facilities, expansion of sports tourism
initiatives, and stronger financial and administrative support for
clubs to improve competitiveness and sustainability.

The paper stressed the importance of updating legislation governing
sports investment, introducing incentives to attract private capital,
streamlining procedures for sports projects, and expanding the role
of sports support funds and sustainable financing mechanisms.

Additionally, it highlighted the need to improve governance,
diversify revenue streams, strengthen sports marketing strategies,
and develop specialized databases and performance indicators to
support evidence-based policymaking and economic analysis within the
sports sector.

The forum concluded that Jordan’s ability to capitalize on its
historic World Cup qualification will depend on transforming current
public enthusiasm and international attention into long-term
development projects, sustainable investments, and economic
opportunities that reinforce the national economy and elevate the
standing of Jordanian football in the years ahead.

//Petra// AJ