FIFA faces backlash as Infantino racks up frequent-flight miles

FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s match-to-match travel during the World Cup has triggered criticism over climate impacts, after reports that he is stacking frequent-flight miles. The article says Infantino has already used a private jet linked to Qatar Airways to watch 10 matches over seven days, spanning cities including Mexico City, Guadalajara, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Seattle, Kansas City and Houston. It references investigative reporting from September 2024 alleging 600,000 km flown on the jet over the prior three years. Carbon-footprint analyst Greenly estimates that continuing that itinerary through the round of 16 and attending the final eight matches would produce 300 to 500 tons of CO2 for the plane alone, equating to the yearly footprint of about 35 to 55 people in France. FIFA counters that travel decisions are made for efficiency and cost-effectiveness and that the organization pays. Geographer David Gogishvili and Greenpeace USA argue the pattern normalizes high-emission hyper-mobility.