US loss brings disappointment to Indy

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - An announcement in Zurich, Switzerland Thursday morning, brought disappointment to Indianapolis.

FIFA awarded the 2022 World Cup soccer tournament to Qatar, not the United States and that means Indianapolis lost its chance for a payday estimated to be worth up to $600 million.

Indianapolis was one of 18 cities that was in the running to host opening and second round World Cup games.

“The great thing about this is it's an international bid. And Indianapolis as one of those potential 18 host cities has hosted some very influential people on the international level, so hopefully this will help down the line, that we've showcased our facilities. We've showcased our hotels. We've showcased our passion for international sports,” said John Dedman of Indiana Sports Corporation.

Indianapolis spent nearly two years putting together its proposal to be one of twelve host cities for a United States World Cup tournament.

USA soccer estimated that every host city for a World Cup event gets between $400 and $600 million in economic impact.