If you’ve been watching multiple World Cup games a day, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the FIFA president on more than one occasion.
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Yes, your eyes are not tricking you.
Gianni Infantino has been making headlines for attending several World Cup games a day this summer, even if the distance between the host cities are quite far.
On opening day, he was in Mexico City for Mexico vs. South Africa. Just a few hours later, he was in Guadalajara watching South Korea vs. Czechia. The next day? Los Angeles for the United States’ opener vs. Paraguay. Then on Saturday, he managed to make it to both San Francisco and Vancouver for two more matches.
That’s about 1,759 miles in total between each city’s host venue. And that’s just three days.
FIFA sources, according to The Athletic, said Infantino’s goal is to attend “as many matches as possible.” Usually it’s been two games a day.
The Guardian added that he’s traveling via a private jet provided by Qatar Airways, which is part of a sponsorship deal. Infantino attended Qatar’s opener vs. Switzerland in the San Francisco Bay Area on June 13.
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A FIFA statement to The Athletic read: “As we have consistently stated, FIFA has put in place rules which establish the framework for flights and travel by any FIFA official. The FIFA President routinely travels, together with relevant officials, on business and tournament-related matters and strives to visit member associations of FIFA whenever he can.
“Sometimes travel is organised on commercial (including low-cost) airlines and sometimes it is on private charter, depending on which is more efficient and cost-effective under the circumstances. FIFA pays travel costs.”
Environmental groups have raised concerns due to the air mileage being accumulated. The environmental section of FIFA’s sustainability strategy mentions it seeks to “raise awareness of climate change and promote responsible consumption among relevant stakeholders.”
So while fans travel to follow their respective countries at the game, Infantino alone could accrue more time spent in the air than anyone.
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