World Cup 2026: Infantino's 27 private jet flights spark environmental outcry

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has drawn sharp criticism following a BBC investigation revealing he took 27 private jet flights during the 2022 World Cup group stage. The investigation tracked Infantino's movements, estimating his private jet traveled over 50,000 kilometers, spending nearly 66 hours in the air.

One notable day, June 15, saw Infantino fly from Miami to Seattle for the Belgium-Egypt match and then to Los Angeles for Iran-New Zealand, covering approximately 4,000 kilometers in a single day. The report highlights multiple instances where he used his private aircraft two or even three times within hours, including a short 148-kilometer trip from Philadelphia to New Jersey for a TV interview on June 22.

The environmental impact of these journeys is a major point of contention. The flights are estimated to have produced around 516 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂), equivalent to the annual emissions of about 78 people. This has sparked debate about the sustainability of major sporting events and FIFA's commitment to environmental issues.

In response to the criticism, a FIFA spokesperson asserted that Infantino aims to visit as many member associations as possible during his travels. They added that travel arrangements are made using either commercial flights or private charters, depending on which option is deemed most efficient and cost-effective. However, the investigation has ignited a discussion about the compatibility of such travel with FIFA's stated environmental messages.

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the travel is organized either with commercial flights or private charters, depending on which option is considered the most effective and cost-efficient.