Sepp Blatter Urges World Cup Boycott in U.S.
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has expressed support for a proposed boycott of World Cup matches taking place in the United States. His statement comes in light of concerns regarding the actions and policies of President Donald Trump and his administration.
Blatter Supports World Cup Boycott
Blatter made his views known via a post on the social media platform X. He echoed the sentiments of Mark Pieth, a Swiss legal expert who has previously led FIFA reform efforts. Pieth had earlier urged fans to reconsider attending the tournament.
Comments from Mark Pieth
In his interview with the Swiss newspaper Der Bund, Pieth warned fans, saying, “If we consider everything we’ve discussed, there’s only one piece of advice for fans: Stay away from the USA! You’ll see it better on TV anyway.” He cautioned that fans might face swift removal if they displeased authorities during their travels.
Background on FIFA and Sepp Blatter
Sepp Blatter held the presidency of FIFA from 1998 until his resignation in 2015 amidst serious allegations of corruption. His involvement in the current situation highlights the ongoing discord within the international soccer community regarding the suitability of the U.S. as a tournament host.
Upcoming World Cup Details
- Dates: June 11 – July 19, 2026
- Co-hosting Countries: United States, Canada, Mexico
Concerns About U.S. Policies
Blatter and other soccer officials are particularly troubled by President Trump’s immigration policies, including travel bans affecting fans from countries such as Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast. The administration’s actions have raised significant concerns about safety and access for international attendees.
Responses from the Soccer Community
Oke Göttlich, vice president of the German soccer federation, has publicly supported the idea of a boycott. In a statement to the Hamburger Morgenpost, he emphasized the need for serious consideration regarding fan attendance at the World Cup.
The ongoing discussions highlight a growing unease within the international soccer community about hosting the World Cup in the current political climate of the United States.
