News & Insights

When poor weather strikes, maintenance personnel at professional stadiums are prepared to protect the pitch so that it stays in good condition. But if the weather changes dramatically from the forecast, causing damage to the surrounding infrastructure, will matches still be able to take place?

Large sporting events are potential targets for terrorist organizations. Just consider the Stade de France attack in November 2015, when three bombers set off explosive vests during a football match.

Insurers consider the security and management plans of an event, which provide details as to how various scenarios will be handled. They must also be aware of the geopolitical climate of participating countries – there could be problems with hosting were some teams to boycott the event.

During the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, stadium construction and timing were an issue. That same year, the Sochi Winter Olympics had similar problems with athletes’ accommodations. Insurers have to consider whether stadiums, airports, roads and other local infrastructure can handle massive gatherings of people.

From early 2015 to late 2016, a Zika virus outbreak that originated in Brazil spread throughout North and South America, the Pacific Islands and parts of Southeast Asia. As with any event that draws people from all over the world, disease can potentially spread quickly in a short period of time. At the 2018 Winter Olympics, for example, norovirus infected around 200 people.

While France is not susceptible to seismic activity, the 2011 Rugby World Cup in Christchurch, New Zealand, wasn’t so lucky. Seven matches had to be moved to other venues after an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale.