Vaughan Gething MS, Minister for the Economy
As we pass a significant milestone of a 100 days to go until the start of the tournament, the Welsh Government is looking to maximise the opportunities and benefits from Wales’s senior men’s football team’s participation at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Wales’s first game in the tournament will be against the USA on 21 November.
The Welsh Government’s objectives around the World Cup include: the promotion of Wales; projecting our values; ensuring the safety of Welsh citizens at the event; and securing a positive and lasting legacy.
Whilst many organisations, in Wales and globally, will look to support their own range of activities to celebrate this fantastic occasion, the Welsh Government is establishing a fund that aims to add value to a small number of exceptional projects that can deliver on our core objectives. Total funding of up to £1.5m is being made available for this Partner Support Fund and organisations may bid for a maximum of £500k to deliver a project or a range of activities. The deadline for applications is 1pm on Friday 26 August 2022. An application form may be requested by emailing TeamWales.WorldCup22@gov.wales .
The Welsh Government is also developing an enhanced marketing campaign around the World Cup. The campaign will focus on core target international markets across brand, business and tourism as well as a strong in-Wales campaign presence.. The campaigns target markets include Wales, USA, UK, and in Qatar. The marketing campaign also looks to deliver activities through work with our greatest envoys – the fans and voices from Wales – as well as with partners, diaspora and World Cup Global Ambassadors.
We will also be using the Welsh Government’s Overseas Offices to maximise the opportunity for promotion of Wales, particularly in Qatar and Dubai, the US and Europe.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.