A new study by Scientists for Global Responsibility and the New Weather Institute has estimated that football’s global carbon footprint amounts to approximately same as the annual emissions of Austria.
Read full report “Dirty Tackle: The growing carbon footprint of football”
The report, Dirty Tackle, outlines football’s global environmental impact and urges governing bodies, such as FIFA and the UEFA, to take stronger action.
As global temperatures rise and extreme weather events disrupt sports schedules, including the disastrous wildfires in Los Angeles ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, football is now confronting the environmental risks posed to both its players and its infrastructure. Despite this, the sport’s own contribution to climate change has largely flown under the radar.
The study estimates football’s global carbon footprint to 64-66 million tCO2e. This includes stadium energy use, travel for matches, merchandise production and sponsorship deals. 75% of football’s carbon footprint alone stems from sponsorships with high-polluting industries like oil, gas, airlines and fast food. According to lead researcher Dr. Stuart Parkinson, “football’s global appeal is being exploited by the world’s most polluting industries, deepening the climate crisis.”
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