Fifa President Gianni Infantino has logged thousands of air miles, attending 24 matches over a two-week period during the current World Cup held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With the tournament spanning 16 cities, BBC Verify and BBC Sport identified a private jet linked to Infantino that completed 27 flights corresponding with his public schedule. Analysis suggests this travel generated roughly 516 tonnes of CO2-equivalent, an environmental footprint comparable to the annual emissions of 78 average individuals.
The aircraft, believed to be a Gulfstream G650ER, frequently transported the Fifa president between cities separated by significant distances. For instance, in one day, the jet carried him from Miami to Seattle and then to Los Angeles. Despite Fifa’s public commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action, experts have criticized the choice of private air travel as being at odds with the organization’s climate pledges. Sustainable travel advocates noted that private jets are significantly more polluting than commercial flights or rail transport.
When questioned by the BBC, a Fifa representative stated that the president travels to fulfill business and tournament obligations, utilizing both commercial and chartered flights depending on efficiency. Fifa did not comment on whether they offset these specific emissions or clarify the occupancy of the private jet. The current tournament has faced broader scrutiny regarding its carbon footprint, with some estimates suggesting it could become the most polluting World Cup to date.
