FIFA chief Infantino slammed for outrageous travel during World Cup

FIFA chief Gianni Infantino’s World Cup travel has drawn backlash after reports claim he has covered nearly the Earth’s circumference in just the first 12 days of the tournament. Data circulated online says he has been granted free use of a private jet by sponsor Qatar Airways and has aimed to attend at least two matches per day despite large distances between US, Canada and Mexico venues. By Monday afternoon, he had taken 18 flights and flown 23,289 miles (just short of 24,901 miles, the global circumference). Coverage lists appearances in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Los Angeles, San Jose, Vancouver, Seattle, Kansas City, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, Philadelphia, Boston and New York. The Guardian previously tied his frequent travel to the Qatar Airways-lent jet. Critics cite fuel use and “climate hypocrisy,” while others say it is his job. On Tuesday, he was expected to attend two more games, including fixtures in Houston and Boston, before matches in Toronto and Guadalajara.