Red card for FIFA: Environmentalists accuse world football’s governing body of misleading advertising about World Cup climate neutrality – and have filed a complaint with Switzerland’s Integrity Commission.
Did FIFA cheat and market the Qatar tournament as more environmentally friendly than it was? The Fairness Commission is now clarifying this. “We can confirm that a corresponding proceeding is pending with us,” said legal secretary Reto Inglin. He is not allowed to release details at this time because the investigation is still ongoing.
Climate Alliance Switzerland is behind the complaint. Your charge against Fifa: “Climate greenwashing”. PR methods that fool the public with an environmentally friendly image without having sufficient basis for it.
Air-conditioned stadiums, thousands of flights
FIFA advertises the World Cup on its website as the first “completely climate neutral tournament”. Ironically, that mega-event for which huge air-conditioned stadiums were built in the desert. And for which tens of thousands of people have flown halfway across the world.
In recent months, research by various media, climate researchers and environmental activists has concluded that FIFA’s climate claims are incorrect. The Football Association counted the tournament green.
“Doubtful Accounting”
For example, FIFA has the real CO2-Balance obscured with certificates backed by the Qatari state. The information is said to be based on questionable accounting of emissions and offsetting programs of questionable quality. FIFA has repeatedly denied these allegations. She did not answer questions from SonntagsBlick.
The Swiss Integrity Commission is an independent self-regulatory foundation in the communications industry. It has clear principles for environmental statements in advertisements. Christian Lüthi, CEO of Climate Alliance: “We would like FIFA to invest its resources in avoiding emissions instead of greenwashing.” As a first step, it must correctly communicate the impact of its activities on the climate. “We are confident that the Commission will condemn FIFA’s violations of fair advertising, sending a clear signal to the governing body of world football.”
The decisions of the Fairness Commission are not legally enforceable. However, those who are reprimanded usually carry out the recommendations voluntarily.
FIFA is also under pressure in other countries due to its controversial climate promises. A few weeks ago, the German Consumer Advice Center warned the World Football Association of “greenwashing” and demanded the removal of “misleading” advertising. “FIFA is trying to sell a big event in the desert as an example of a climate project. It is about deliberately misleading football fans and the public,” said Ramona Pop, head of the Federal Consumers’ Association. The warning went to FIFA’s headquarters – in Switzerland, on the Zurichberg.