FIFA Faces Heat Safety Petition Led by Morten Thorsby
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- Morten Thorsby – Norway midfielder and climate activist, signed a petition urging FIFA to strengthen heat‑safety protocols for the 2026 World Cup.
- The petition – backed by current and former players, including Elena Linari, Nedum Onuoha, and Chuba Akpom, demands longer cooling breaks and clear postponement rules in extreme heat.
- Scientists and medical experts – warned that 14 of the 16 stadiums slated for the tournament could exceed dangerous temperature levels, calling FIFA’s existing measures insufficient.
- FIFA – announced enhanced heat protocols, mandating three‑minute cooling breaks in each half of every match, but the players’ letter says further action is needed.
- We Play Green – the foundation founded by Thorsby to promote climate engagement among footballers, supports the petition’s call for broader environmental responsibility.
Why it matters: Players, fans and broadcasters lose if extreme heat hampers performance; stronger protocols protect health, preserve match quality and safeguard the tournament’s TV ratings and ticket revenue.
