FIFA Draws Criticism as Infantino Clocks up Air Miles at World Cup
Critics say the FIFA president’s 10-match, seven-day itinerary undercuts climate claims as the expanded tournament spreads travel across North America.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino powered up his private jet to attend 10 matches in seven days across the 2026 World Cup, drawing sharp criticism from environmentalists.
- David Gogishvili, a geographer at the University of Lausanne, told AFP that FIFA created a "sustainability paradox" by relying on dispersed NFL stadiums requiring high-emission air travel.
- Greenly estimates Infantino's travel could emit 300 to 500 tons of CO2 over the tournament; the 2022 World Cup drew 1,846 private jets to Qatar, exceeding the Super Bowl, Cannes Film Festival, and COP28 combined.
- FIFA defends the travel, stating executives choose flights "based on what is most efficient and cost-effective," while Greenpeace USA Oceans Campaign Director John Hocevar argued such flights undermine climate responsibility.
- Geographical sprawl will intensify at next year's Women's World Cup in Brazil and the 2030 men's World Cup in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, which faces unresolved expansion to 64 teams.
19 Articles
19 Articles
By swallowing in private jet the crazy distances of the World-2026, the boss of the Fifa Gianni Infantino highlights the indifference of the football authority to any approach of climate sobriety.
World Cup's carbon footprint under scrutiny as Fifa boss racks up air miles
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has been a busy man at this World Cup but his unquenchable thirst to pack in as many matches as possible is causing unrest among environmentalists who are questioning…
Infantino's salary as FIFA president is equivalent to that of a top Ligue 1 player. While the 2026 World Cup, in which he plays a major role, is currently underway, Gianni Infantino has been leading FIFA for ten years. Elected in 2016, the president of world football's governing body began his third term in 2023 and is due to conclude his tenure at the head of the organization in 2027, having notably launched the first edition of the Club World …
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