FIFA draws criticism as Infantino clocks up air miles

FIFA’s World Cup footprint drew fresh criticism as President Gianni Infantino racks up extensive air travel, prompting environmental groups to question the organization’s approach to climate change. The Italian-Swiss executive used a Qatar Airways private jet to appear in stadiums 10 times in seven days across Mexico City, Guadalajara, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Seattle, Kansas City, and Houston. FIFA’s travel argument is that executives fly between commercial and private options based on “efficiency and cost-effectiveness,” with FIFA covering costs. However, the French carbon-accounting firm Greenly said one hour in the aircraft emits roughly what an average person releases in a year, estimating 300 to 500 tons of CO2 for Infantino’s plane during the tournament. Academics and Greenpeace USA warned that geographically dispersed NFL stadiums and private flights create a “sustainability paradox,” shifting emissions burdens onto host regions and fans.