Former FIFA Chief Backs Calls for World Cup Boycott Over US Safety Issues
Sepp Blatter, the former president of FIFA, has made a controversial intervention by suggesting that football supporters should consider boycotting games held in the United States during the upcoming 2026 World Cup. His comments centre on mounting apprehensions regarding security and the treatment of visitors by immigration authorities.
Social Media Endorsement of Lawyer's Warning
Blatter took to social media on Monday to express his agreement with Mark Pieth, a prominent Swiss lawyer specialising in anti-corruption. Pieth had previously advised fans to avoid travelling to the US for the tournament, pointing to alleged "abuses by immigration services" and a concerning domestic climate.
In his post, Blatter quoted Pieth directly, stating: "'For the fans, there's only one piece of advice: stay away from the USA!' I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup." This public alignment adds significant weight to the lawyer's warnings, drawing global attention to the issue.
Context of Violence and Immigration Crackdown
The call for a boycott follows tragic incidents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where two American citizens were killed within a three-week period amid a reported crackdown by immigration agents. The victims, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, have become focal points for protests. Pretti was shot on Saturday while documenting a demonstration, with available video evidence suggesting he posed no threat to federal officers. Similar footage indicates Good was also not threatening authorities when she was killed.
These events have intensified debates about safety and civil liberties in the US, providing a stark backdrop to Pieth's recommendations. In an interview with the Swiss outlet Tages-Anzeiger, he elaborated on his concerns, stating the domestic situation "hardly encourages fans to go there." He advised supporters they would get a better view on television and warned that fans could face immediate deportation if they did not "behave properly" with authorities upon arrival.
The 2026 Tournament and Broader Implications
The United States is set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, with the event scheduled to run from 11 June to 19 July. A substantial portion of the tournament, involving 78 matches across 11 American cities, is planned for US venues. Blatter's comments therefore strike at the heart of the event's logistics and public perception.
This intervention marks another chapter in Blatter's complex legacy. His tenure as FIFA president ended in 2015 amidst multiple scandals. Although he and former UEFA president Michel Platini were acquitted last year on charges including fraud and misappropriation, the investigation concluded their careers in football governance. Notably, Blatter's successor, Gianni Infantino, has cultivated a close relationship with US President Donald Trump, adding a layer of political intrigue to the current controversy.
The former administrator's call for a boycott raises profound questions about fan safety, freedom of movement, and the ethical considerations of hosting major sporting events in nations facing internal turmoil. It remains to be seen how FIFA, national football associations, and travelling supporters will respond to these stark warnings as the 2026 World Cup approaches.
