Getty Images
A new report has warned that the global soccer industry is “struggling to get a handle” on its true environmental impact and revealed that the game’s carbon footprint equates to the annual emissions of the whole of Austria.
Confirmed:
- Greenhouse gas emissions generated by the global soccer industry are 64 million to 66 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions equivalent (tCO2e) per year
- Excluding missions derived from sponsorship, total carbon footprint of soccer’s activities are 13 million to 15 million tCO2e per year
- Men’s Fifa World Cup has been responsible for 6.5 million tCO2e over its four-year cycle
- One World Cup finals match is estimated to emit between 44,000 tCO2e and 72,000 tCO2e
- One Premier League game is estimated to emit approximately 1,700 tCO2e, with travel-related emissions comprising around half of the total
Context:
The report, commissioned by the New Weather Institute from Scientists for Global Responsibility, found that the primary sources of soccer’s pollution are sponsorship deals with heavily polluting companies, travel for matches (both international and domestic), and stadium construction.
More than 93 per cent of emissions are due to the activities of elite domestic leagues – with annual attendances above one million – and international tournaments.
The report used various comparisons to illustrate soccer’s environmental impact. As well as the game polluting as much as the whole of Austria and 60 per cent more than Uruguay, its annual emissions are equal to burning 150 million barrels of oil.
More broadly, the research noted that ‘poor data quality and omissions’ have led to a widespread underestimation of soccer’s environmental impact and ‘piecemeal interventions’ to address emissions. It also stated that the sport’s action on climate remains in its infancy and has generally focused on reducing operational emissions, with those efforts undermined by the expansion of international tournaments, the number of matches played and the promotion of polluting corporations.
Comment:
“Despite its mass appeal and global audience, football is struggling to get a handle on its true environmental impact due to patchy data and the exclusion of key areas of its carbon footprint, especially sponsored emissions,” said Dr Stuart Parkinson, from Scientists for Global Responsibility who led the research.
“This research documents compelling evidence that football is a major polluter and its contribution to climate change is growing. It also shows that there is little indication that decision-makers are prepared to adequately assess the game’s pollution problem, let alone take the steps necessary to reduce it.”
Andrew Simms, co-director at the New Weather Institute, added: “Everyone wants the game of football to be clean and played without matches cancelled by floods, storms or wildfires.
“But global football’s own pollution is fueling the very thing that threatens its future. It’s not just recklessly expanding international competitions that cause more flights and risk players’ health and wellbeing. The sport is being exploited by some of the world’s most polluting companies to promote heavily polluting products and lifestyles. Football has to tackle its pollution problem before it gets red-carded for dirty play.”
Coming next:
The report is calling for greater action from soccer’s governing bodies to end ‘harmful sponsorship deals’, cut pollution and build a more ‘resilient game’ in the face of growing climate impacts.
GO DEEPER
Get access to richer content, exclusive reports, unparalleled business intelligence, and community benefits to help you navigate the next frontier of sport and make more informed decisions with a SportsPro+ Premium membership. Discover more here.