FIFA President Gianni Infantino has come under fire after reports revealed he traveled thousands of kilometers across the United States, Mexico, and Canada on a private jet during the 2026 World Cup.
The aircraft, provided by Qatar Airways as part of its sponsorship deal with FIFA, was used for both group stage and knockout matches.
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Extensive Travel and Carbon Footprint
According to the Norwegian investigative magazine Josimar, Infantino flew over 50,000 kilometers during the group stages alone.
He then added approximately 9,000 kilometers during the round of 32, visiting cities including Los Angeles, Houston, Monterrey, Dallas, and Mexico City.
BBC Verify estimates that the climate impact of his travel over two weeks equals the annual carbon emissions of about 78 average people.
This contradicts FIFA's commitments under the UN Sport for Climate Action Framework, which aims to cut emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2040.
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When asked by reporters to provide evidence of instances where FIFA claimed travel was organized on commercial airlines, the organization did not respond.
Prior to the tournament, Infantino stated on social media, "We certainly hope that through football we can leave a positive footprint."
In response to criticism, he later posted, "Chill, relax, live and let live!"
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Records show Infantino has previously bypassed global travel norms, including flying extensively during the coronavirus pandemic and leaving the 2023 Women's World Cup to visit Oceanian federations.
