The Fifa organization flew Portugal's men's soccer team on a plane used for ICE deportations, raising ethical questions about the 2025 World Cup. Video footage shows the Portugal squad boarding a Global Crossing Airlines (GlobalX) aircraft en route to Dallas on 4 July for a match against Spain, with tail number N837VA clearly visible. Flight records reveal the same Airbus flew removal-related flights both the day before and after transporting the athletes.
How the Plane Was Used for Deportations
The aircraft was central to the US government's March 2025 deportation of over 200 Venezuelans to the notorious mega-prison Cecot in El Salvador. Despite a judge ordering the planes to turn around due to lack of due process, the flights departed and landed anyway. El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele posted a video showing the same plane and tail number.
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Fifa's Role and Trump Administration Ties
Ricardo Quaresma of the Portuguese football federation confirmed that Fifa organized the 4 July GlobalX flight. The team has used other airlines like American Airlines and TAP Air Portugal for other matches. Fifa has not responded to multiple requests for comment. This incident follows scrutiny of Donald Trump's friendship with Fifa President Gianni Infantino, after a red card against the US men's team was dismissed following a personal phone call.
| Aircraft Tail Number | Date | Flight Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| N837VA | 3 July 2025 | ICE deportation flight |
| N837VA | 4 July 2025 | Portugal team transport to Dallas |
| N837VA | 5 July 2025 | ICE deportation flight |
Key Takeaways
- Fifa used a GlobalX plane for Portugal's World Cup travel that also conducted ICE deportations.
- The same aircraft deported Venezuelans to a Salvadoran mega-prison against a judge's orders.
- Flight records show deportation flights immediately before and after the team's trip.
- Trump's friendship with Fifa President Infantino has raised conflict-of-interest concerns.
FAQ
Which plane did Fifa use for Portugal's World Cup team?
The plane was a GlobalX Airbus with tail number N837VA, also used for ICE deportation flights.
Why is this controversial?
The same aircraft transported Venezuelan detainees to a mega-prison without due process, violating a judge's order.
Did Fifa respond to the allegations?
Fifa has not responded to multiple requests for comment from The Guardian.
The Guardian's investigation reviewed leaked GlobalX data showing thousands of detainees moved without notice to families or legal counsel. This raises serious questions about Fifa's ethical standards and ties to the Trump administration.
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