In the space of a few hours on Sunday, two of world sport’s most recognisable prizes were lifted: the World Cup and the Claret Jug. The timing invites a comparison even though the numbers show that football’s showpiece and golf’s oldest major are on entirely different financial planets.

Both events run on the same basic commercial logic. Each sells scarcity, prestige and access via limited tickets, premium hospitality, exclusive sponsorship categories and the right for broadcasters to package the drama for a global audience. The difference is that FIFA has industrialised that model at a scale the R&A cannot match, and arguably should not attempt to replicate.

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association generated a record $7.6 billion (about £5.6bn) from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and revenues for the current 2023-26 cycle are said to be nearing $13bn. Almost $9bn of that total could come in 2026 alone, including about $3.9bn from broadcasting rights and more than $3bn from hospitality.

Ryan Fox of New Zealand kisses the trophy after Sunday's final round of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England (Image: Tracy Wilcox)

That is not simply a successful sporting event. It is a governing body built around one giant cash machine. With talk of further expanding the tournament yet again from 48 to 64 teams – potentially bringing in billions more viewers from the likes of China and India – FIFA's growth agenda is clear.

The Open is commercially strong, but it's on a different plane. The R&A does not disclose precise figures for Open revenues, but industry estimates put the championship's contribution to the governing body's annual income of £150m-£160m at roughly........

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