Soccer At COP29: Clubs Unite For Climate Action

Top flight soccer clubs have committed to increasing climate action with the creation of a new alliance, launched during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The Football Clubs Alliance for Climate, led by European Club Association and Azerbaijani team Qarabağ FK, has initially been joined by Atlético de Madrid, Fenerbahçe SK, Flamengo, Galatasaray SK, Liverpool FC, Malmö FF, FC Porto, Real Betis Balompié, Tottenham Hotspur and Udinese Calcio.

“Football clubs have a role to play as catalysts of passion, collective effort and change,” say soccer players Rasheedat Ajibade of Atletico de Madrid Feminino and Dries Mertens of Galatasaray FK in the launch video. Udinese Calcio midfielder Jesper Karlström concludes, “We play for the planet, you make the difference.”

Aligned with the long-established UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action, a key component of the new alliance is encouraging more soccer clubs to join the initiative. Additional commitments include minimizing the club’s environmental impact, inspiring fans to take climate action, collaborating with cities and environmental NGOs to develop climate solutions and investing in green technologies.

FIFA Extends Partnership And Comes Under Fire

FIFA CEO Gianni Infantino made the trip to COP29 to extend a partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum to leverage the power of soccer to address climate change. “FIFA is supporting the Oceania FIFA Member Associations in climate-resilient soccer development and will continue to stand side-by-side with the PIF to help raise the issues directly affecting its members by embracing the unique power of soccer to educate, to inspire, and to unite the world.” he said.

Infantino has been criticised for flying into Baku by private jet, with Inside World Football saying “Gianni Infantino has once again pledged that his organization will help combat climate change. His own incessant use of private jets contradicts those claims.” During the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament he reportedly travelled 40,000 kilometres by air in the Oceania region.

Ronaldinho Appearance

Brazilian former soccer star Ronaldinho travelled to Baku to take part in COP29. Posting a highlight reel of his trip on social media, he also arrived by private jet to attend events, visit pavilions inside the conference and meet young soccer players. The post included a caption “see you next year in Brazil!” The next annual global climate conference, COP30, will be hosted in the northern state of Belém.