Ex-FIFA president joins those calling for boycott of World Cup in US
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has come out in support of a proposed fan boycott of World Cup matches in the United States due to the conduct of President Donald Trump and his administration. Blatter, who resigned from his position amid a corruption investigation, echoed the sentiments of Swiss attorney Mark Pieth, who raised concerns about the suitability of the United States as a host country.
Pieth, an anti-corruption expert who oversaw FIFA reform a decade ago, advised fans to avoid traveling to the USA for the World Cup, citing potential issues with officials and a lack of hospitality. Blatter took to X to endorse Pieth’s stance, stating that questioning the hosting of the World Cup is justified.
The United States is set to co-host the World Cup with Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, but international soccer figures have expressed reservations about the country’s suitability as a host. Trump’s foreign policies, including his stance on Greenland and immigration enforcement, have raised concerns within the soccer community.
Oke Göttlich, a vice president of the German soccer federation, recently suggested boycotting the World Cup in light of the current political climate in the United States. The Trump administration’s travel bans have already disrupted plans for fans from African countries like Senegal and Ivory Coast, as well as Iran and Haiti.
As tensions continue to rise, the international soccer community is facing a dilemma regarding the upcoming World Cup. Blatter’s endorsement of a fan boycott adds to the growing uncertainty surrounding the tournament’s location. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming months.
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