FIFA president Gianni Infantino is meeting with the White House to discuss potential health risks from Canadian wildfire smog in New York ahead of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday. The thick haze, drifting from Canada and the Great Lakes, has prompted air quality warnings and health concerns.
Health warnings and expert analysis
Experts have warned that breathing the smoke-and-toxin-riddled air in New York City is equivalent to smoking ten cigarettes. Michael Petroni, a pollution expert, told the New York Post: “It’s reasonable to say you’re smoking 10 cigarettes today by breathing the air in New York City. The rule of thumb is about 20 AQI points for a whole day equals one cigarette.” He added that the fine particles “get into your bloodstream because they’re so small and they wreak havoc on your immune system. Over time, that adds up and it increases your likelihood of cancer, of heart disease.”
Local weather reports indicate the smog should subside on Saturday when rain is forecast, and there is confidence it will clear in time for Sunday's showpiece match at MetLife Stadium. However, FIFA and the White House will hold discussions on Friday to ensure they deliver the right guidelines and safety messages before the final.
Precautions and public safety
Given the sheer volume of people travelling to New York for the game, health and safety remain paramount. Volunteers have been handing out high-filtration respiratory masks free of charge at subway and bus stations in New York over the past few days. The city's five boroughs have been under an Air Quality Health Advisory since Wednesday, and the public is urged to minimise time spent outside.
The thick haze has made it difficult for tourists to see landmarks such as the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty.
Trump to attend final
US President Donald Trump is set to attend Sunday's final between Spain and Argentina, according to a White House spokeswoman. Karoline Leavitt said: "On Friday, the president will travel to New York City to attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower, followed by his attendance on Sunday at the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina." Leavitt added that Trump's presence at MetLife Stadium would "cap what has been the most watched, most secure, and most successful World Cup in American history. It's a fitting conclusion to a tournament that showcased America's ability to host the world on the grandest stage."
