Sepp Blatter Endorses Call for Fans to Boycott World Cup in the US
Former Fifa president Sepp Blatter has publicly supported a Swiss lawyer's advice for football fans to boycott the upcoming World Cup matches in the United States, citing significant security concerns. This endorsement comes amidst growing unease over safety issues in the host country.
Blatter's Social Media Statement
On Monday, Blatter took to social media to align himself with comments made by Mark Pieth, a Swiss anti-corruption lawyer who previously collaborated with Fifa on reform efforts during Blatter's tenure. In his post, Blatter stated, "I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup. For the fans, there's only one piece of advice: stay away from the USA!" This message has sparked widespread discussion in the football community.
Reasons Behind the Boycott Call
Mark Pieth, in an interview with the Swiss daily Tages-Anzeiger last week, outlined several reasons for his boycott recommendation. He pointed to recent incidents, including the killing of protester Renee Good by an American immigration agent in Minneapolis earlier this month, as a key factor. Pieth expressed concerns about the domestic situation in the US, stating, "What we are seeing domestically – the marginalisation of political opponents, abuses by immigration services, etc. – hardly encourages fans to go there." He further advised fans to watch the tournament on television for a better and safer experience.
Pieth warned that fans travelling to the US could face harsh treatment from authorities, saying, "Upon arrival, fans should expect that if they don't behave properly with the authorities, they will be immediately sent home. If they're lucky …" This sentiment has been reinforced by the recent death of a second US citizen, Alex Pretti, last weekend, adding to the urgency of the safety concerns.
Background on Blatter and Fifa Politics
Sepp Blatter stepped down as Fifa president in 2015 amid multiple scandals and was succeeded by the current head, Gianni Infantino. Last year, Blatter and former Uefa chief Michel Platini were definitively acquitted on charges related to a delayed payment of 2 million Swiss francs made by Fifa to Platini in 2011 for consultancy services. This acquittal has allowed Blatter to remain a vocal figure in football politics.
In a related development, former France star Michel Platini recently criticised Infantino, accusing him of becoming "more of an autocrat" and noting his close relationship with former US president Donald Trump. Platini remarked that Infantino "likes the rich and powerful," highlighting ongoing tensions within Fifa's leadership.
Implications for the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July. Blatter's endorsement of a boycott could potentially impact fan attendance and the overall atmosphere of the tournament. As security and political issues continue to dominate headlines, this call for a boycott raises important questions about the safety and inclusivity of major sporting events.
Football authorities and organisers may need to address these concerns proactively to ensure a successful and secure World Cup for all participants and spectators.
