Germany hopes World Cup economic impact can last, Dow Jones News 13 June

Stefan Szymanski says the benefits are not as great as thought.

Germany's hosting of the World Cup of Soccer in 2006 should give its stagnant economy a much-needed boost.

Stefan Szymanski, a professor at Tanaka Business School at Imperial College in London, said that while hosting the World Cup can bring a direct business boost to hotels, restaurants or shops, it doesn't mean the hosting city or region will see an overall economic benefit.

"This story that there is a benefit to economies as a result of sporting events just isn't true sometimes," he said.