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Touchline • Issue 18 • 37
been huge local protests against the World Cup investment
in infrastructure at the expense, allegedly, of the Brazilian
population.
It was reported in April this year that human rights
campaigners had sounded the alarm about proposed Brazilian
anti-terrorism legislation that they fear will be used to crack
down on legal protests during the event. The government for
its part says that it needs the new law before the tournament
because the event could be a target for “violent extremists” –
a statement that will clearly alarm Sports and Political Risks
Underwriters alike.
The heat factor will be another concern – as has already
been reported for the Qatar 2022 tournament - for insurers
as it could add to the risk for both players and spectators.
When previous World Cups were played in Brazil, games were
scheduled for cooler evenings and players were given time
to acclimatise, however, some games in Brazil are scheduled
during the heat of the day.
Parent clubs or National Associations typically buy personal
accident insurance to cover costs should a player become
temporarily injured, permanently disabled or die in an
accident, and players also can buy insurance to cover loss of
income if they suffer a career ending injury. In the UK this is
unlikely to arise as a result of heat stroke but insurers will
be offering advice to fans to be aware in Brazil – particularly
when drinking alcohol – and the same goes for the England
players!
Because football is no longer just about football, competitions
and offers will also be taking place in practically every nation
on the planet, and when it comes to contingency insurance,
there is a vast range of potential coverage. Competitions,
offers, prizes, sponsorship, broadcast rights - all companies
with financial stakes will need insurance coverage. There will
be many organizations with a financial interest in this year’s
tournament taking out insurance cover to protect against
cancellation or other types of disruption.
Remember this summer, as the last England penalty sails
sadly over the crossbar no doubt into a glorious Brazilian
sunset that the UK insurance market still leads the way
in insuring the globe’s sporting events large or small,
conventional or unconventional. This year’s World Cup will
be no exception. All events, whether it’s the smallest school
fete or a major international sporting event present their own
risks and liabilities and this is one discipline I am pleased to
say in which the UK excels.