Miami-Dade commissioners approve $49 million pledge for World Cup

Follow the money: The County Commission's Policy Council approved a resolution approving the funding of $21 million — or $3 million per match — in cash support for the World Cup.

• It also approved an extra $3 million in matching funds for a yet-to-be-announced World Cup "legacy project" and $25 million in donated county services and public safety expenses.
• The funding would be spread out over two budget cycles.

Friction point: Commissioner Marleine Bastien raised concerns about the lack of detail in the spending plan.

• "Why are we giving them this money?" she asked, noting FIFA is a billion-dollar organization.

Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava also expressed concerns over the price tag.

• She said in a statement prior to the meeting that the county's funding obligation was "significant" and that her administration was reviewing the full fiscal impact, per the Herald.

Chairman Oliver Gilbert, who sponsored the resolution, said communities that bid to host large sporting events are committed to investing in the event.

• Miami-Dade will receive international media coverage and an "influx" of tourists, he said.
• "They'll stay in our hotels, they'll eat in our restaurants, they'll shop in our shops," Gilbert said. "It'll push hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars into the economy."

What's next: The resolution still needs to be approved by the full County Commission, per the Herald.