Euro 2008

By Mark Ledsom

VIENNA, June 27 (Reuters) - A study into the financial effects of Euro 2008 has said the economic impact of Sunday's final could be worth 300 million euros, with Germany and Spain enjoying benefits far outstripping their teams' prize money.

The report estimated that the nation whose side become European champions will gain more than 90 million euros in knock-on effects.

These include sponsorship deals, television rights, growth in ticket and merchandise sales, tourism and a "significant injection in consumer confidence."

The study's authors from England's Coventry University said the losing nation could expect an economic boost of more than 40 million euros, not including prize money, as a result of reaching the final.

Spain are set to pick up 23 million euros in total prize money if they beat Germany in the Vienna final, while a win would see the Germans taking home 22 million euros.

A runners-up place would guarantee a total of 20 million euros for Spain and 19 million for Germany.

The discrepancy in the winnings is due to UEFA's prize money system which rewards teams for their performances throughout the tournament.

Germany lost one of their group stage matches to eventual Group B winners Croatia while Spain head into the final having won all five of their matches so far.

Along with the 172 million euro windfall predicted for the finalists and their countries, the study commissioned by tournament sponsors MasterCard estimated that Vienna would enjoy short and long-term gains of more than 100 million euros purely for hosting the final.

The report reckoned that altogether Sunday's match would generate more than 300 million euros with the remaining economic impact being felt both within and beyond the two host nations of Austria and Switzerland.