Service Planning and Provision During Qatar's 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup: Sports Podiatry

During the FIFA 2022 World Cup and the AFC 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar, podiatry was the second most requested service after radiology. Despite the growing role of podiatry in large sports events, there is limited documentation on the preparation and management of such services in a football (soccer) context. This study explores the delivery of podiatry services during the FIFA 2022 World Cup and AFC 2023 Asian Cup. Podiatry services were provided by four experienced podiatrists during FIFA 2022 and three during AFC 2023. Pre-event planning included team education, training, and resource preparation. Services were delivered centrally at the polyclinic, with additional basecamp visits for teams during FIFA 2022. Data on interventions, diagnoses, and consumables were collected and analyzed. During FIFA 2022, 22% of teams used podiatry services, with 48 requests primarily addressing skin and nail issues. In AFC 2023, 25% of teams requested services, with 32 consultations focused on chronic mechanical injuries. Adaptations in service delivery were made based on the scale of each event and regional needs. The findings highlight the importance of tailored podiatry services, multidisciplinary collaboration, and preparation for diverse clinical demands. Recommendations include improving communication, regional customization of services, addressing footwear needs, and providing pre-event training.