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FIFA to ‘mitigate environmental impact’ of 2030 Men’s World Cup
FIFA has insisted it will take steps to mitigate the environmental impact of the 2030 Men’s World Cup, which is set to be played across Morocco, Spain and Portugal with celebratory matches to take place in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.
The decision to hold certain matches in the South American nations was made to mark the centenary of the first FIFA World Cup in 1930. However, holding the tournament across three continents has attracted criticism over the inevitable impact on the environment of spreading the games across such a wide geographical area.
Football’s world governing body said: “Subject to the successful bidding process outlined above and approval by the FIFA Congress, Morocco, Portugal and Spain will be the hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2030. Therefore, for 101 games, the tournament will be played in a footprint of neighbouring countries in close geographic proximity and with extensive and well developed transport links and infrastructure.
“Three games will take place in South America, also in neighbouring countries in close geographic proximity to mark the 100th year of the tournament, in a unique celebration. FIFA will take all required measures to mitigate the environmental impact of the FIFA World Cup. From a sustainability point of view, it’s also worth mentioning that only one bid significantly reduces travel in relation to site inspection visits and other meetings.”
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