WEIMAR, Germany (Reuters) - UEFA's strategy to reduce air travel at the European Championship in Germany appears to be paying off, with a significant reduction of flights from Euro 2016, Europe's football governing body said on Saturday.
In what has been touted as the most sustainable European Championship ever, teams have been instructed to travel by train or coach if their trip is less than three hours, although the rule could be less rigid during the knockout stage.
"The group stage brought a 75% decrease in the number of flights taken by the participating sides compared with the 2016 edition, with more squads using buses and trains," UEFA said in a statement.
UEFA were criticised for hosting the 2020 Euro tournament -- held amid the COVID-19 pandemic -- in 11 countries.
Air travel produces greenhouse gases from burning fuel that contribute to global warming.
FIFA has faced criticism for the decision to host the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the United States and Mexico amid concerns about the inevitable carbon footprint from extensive air travel.
Match-ticket holders in Germany have also been given free public transport passes.
"More than 500,000 Fan Pass users have activated their public transport tickets to get around the host cities and their surroundings," UEFA said.
(Reporting by Lori Ewing; editing by Clare Fallon)
