Sepp Blatter Urges World Cup Boycott in the United States
Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has publicly supported a fan boycott of the upcoming World Cup in the United States. His endorsement comes in response to the conduct of President Donald Trump and his administration, both domestically and internationally.
Blatter Questions U.S. as Host Country
Blatter’s comments follow those of Mark Pieth, a Swiss attorney and anti-corruption expert. Pieth, who previously chaired the Independent Governance Committee overseeing FIFA reforms, expressed his concerns in an interview with the Swiss newspaper Der Bund.
Call for Action
- Blatter quoted Pieth’s advice: “Stay away from the USA! You’ll see it better on TV anyway.”
- Pieth cautioned fans about the potential risks upon arrival in the U.S., suggesting they could face immediate return if deemed unwelcome by officials.
Blatter himself echoed these sentiments in a post on social media platform X, reinforcing the call for a boycott of the World Cup.
Upcoming World Cup Details
The World Cup is set to take place from June 11 to July 19, with the United States co-hosting alongside Canada and Mexico. However, various soccer figures are increasingly concerned about the implications of hosting such an event in light of U.S. policies.
International Soccer Community Concerns
Criticism revolves around Trump’s travel bans and his administration’s approach to immigration, particularly affecting fans from several countries. Concerns include:
- The expansion of travel bans impacting fans from Senegal, Ivory Coast, Iran, and Haiti.
- Trump’s controversial stance on immigration, which has drawn protests in several American cities, including Minneapolis.
Oke Göttlich, a vice president of the German soccer federation, has advocated for serious consideration of a boycott, suggesting the situation warrants attention.
Conclusion
Blatter’s support for the boycott highlights the growing unease within the international soccer community surrounding the World Cup in the United States. As fans prepare for the tournament, the implications of political climate and travel restrictions could significantly impact attendance. The world will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold.
