FIFA remains confident Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina can go ahead as scheduled
Gianni Infantino contacts White House over New York smog issue
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is meeting with the White House in New York ahead of the World Cup final to discuss potential health risks from Canadian wildfire smog.
Experts in the Big Apple have warned the public that breathing in air filled with smoke and toxins wafting in from Canada and the Great Lakes is comparable to smoking 10 cigarettes.
Local weather forecasters say the smog should ease by Saturday, when rain is forecast, with hopes of clearing up in time for Sunday’s featured game at MetLife Stadium.
However, FIFA and the White House will continue to discuss the situation on Friday, with the aim of ensuring appropriate guidelines and safety messages are communicated before the final.
Given the huge number of people traveling to New York for the games, health and safety remains a top priority.
Volunteers have been handing out free high-filtration respirators at New York subway stations and bus stops in recent days.
An air quality health advisory has been in place for the city’s five boroughs since Wednesday, with people asked to minimize time spent outdoors.
Environmental pollution expert Michael Petroni told the New York Post, “If you breathe in New York City air, you can reasonably assume that you’re smoking 10 cigarettes today. A good rule of thumb is that one cigarette equals about 20 AQI points in a full day.”
Regarding toxic carcinogens, he added, “Carcinogens are so small that they can get into your bloodstream and wreak havoc on your immune system. Over time, they add up and increase your chances of cancer and heart disease.”
Smog erupts in New York City ahead of World Cup finals
Dense fog makes it difficult for tourists to see landmarks such as the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty.
US President Donald Trump plans to attend Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina, a White House spokesperson said.
“On Friday, the president will travel to New York to attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower, and then on Sunday he will attend the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina,” said Caroline Leavitt.
Mr. Levitt added that President Trump’s presence at MetLife Stadium “will cap off the most watched, safest, and most successful World Cup in American history.”
“This is a fitting conclusion to a tournament that demonstrated America’s ability to host the world on the grandest of stages.”
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