Soccer: Swiss ready to count cost of World Cup

The World Cup will cost Swiss employers an estimated $US190 million ($407 million) as workers shun the workplace for the television screen, says a study by the University of St Gallen.

Director Franz Jaeger said the finals in Japan and South Korea could have a significant impact on the economy.

"A World Cup is always important to people. It can brighten the atmosphere and raise spirits."

Jaeger calculated that fans staying at home to watch the action could cost employers up to 300 million Swiss francs ($US189.3 million) in lost earnings.

He reached the estimated figure by multiplying the 5.8 million hours the Swiss public are expected to watch the World Cup by the country's average hourly wage of 51.1 Swiss francs.