Affiliation:
1. Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2. Department of Psychology, Education and Physical Education, Faculty of Humanities, Notre-Dame University-Louaize (NDU), Zouk Mosbeh, Lebanon
Abstract
Scholars have extensively studied mega‐sporting events’ impact and legacies. However, these studies typically focus on the host city or country. The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the first mega‐sporting event in the Gulf region, evoked a deeper reflection on the legacy
of such events. After conducting 21 in-depth interviews with participants from nine Arab nations and utilizing constructivist grounded theory, new perceptions of mega‐event legacy emerged. Arab pride, tangible outcomes, an accessible success model, a technical legacy, making sports
a key part of Arab social life, boosting social capital, and a hazy sense of sorrow represented the indirect outcomes of the Qatar 2022 World Cup for Arab countries. The similarities between Qatar and its neighbors have shaped indirect perceptions. Although the perceived outcomes were favorable,
some Arab citizens may have experienced conflicting feelings of sorrow. The findings shed light on the legacy of mega‐sporting events beyond the host nation.