Sepp Blatter Calls for World Cup Boycott in U.S.
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has publicly supported a fan-led boycott of the upcoming World Cup in the United States. His stance is primarily a reaction to the controversial actions of President Donald Trump and his administration, both domestically and internationally.
Blatter’s Call for Boycott
Blatter’s comments were made in a post on social media platform X, where he echoed sentiments expressed by Swiss attorney Mark Pieth. Pieth, known for his expertise in anti-corruption, previously indicated in an interview with the Swiss newspaper Der Bund that fans should avoid attending the World Cup. He stated, “If we consider everything we’ve discussed, there’s only one piece of advice for fans: Stay away from the USA!”
Background on Sepp Blatter
Sepp Blatter served as the president of FIFA from 1998 until his resignation in 2015 amidst corruption allegations. His recent support for the boycott adds to growing concerns about the suitability of the United States as a World Cup host.
Concerns Over World Cup Hosting
The co-hosting of the World Cup by the United States, Canada, and Mexico is scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026. However, international soccer figures question the appropriateness of the U.S. as a venue, citing controversies related to immigration policies and treatment of visitors.
- Oke Göttlich, vice president of the German soccer federation, advocates for a serious discussion on the boycott.
- Recent travel restrictions from the Trump administration have raised alarms among fans, especially from African nations like Senegal and Ivory Coast.
- Travel bans are also in place for fans from Iran and Haiti, countries that qualified for the World Cup.
These restrictions stem from Trump’s claims regarding “screening and vetting deficiencies,” which has sparked outrage and concern among global soccer enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The call for a potential boycott from notable figures like Blatter and Pieth highlights ongoing tensions and uncertainty surrounding the World Cup in the U.S. As discussions continue, fans are left to weigh the implications of attending the tournament.
