Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has expressed support for a proposed fan boycott of World Cup matches in the United States, citing concerns over the conduct of President Donald Trump and his administration. Blatter’s comments come after Mark Pieth, a Swiss attorney and anti-corruption expert, advised fans to “stay away from the USA” due to the country’s treatment of visitors and immigrants.
Pieth, who chaired the Independent Governance Committee’s oversight of FIFA reform, made the comments in an interview with the Swiss newspaper Der Bund. He warned that fans who do not “please the officials” may be put on the next flight home. Blatter, who was president of FIFA from 1998-2015, quoted Pieth’s statement on social media and added that he thinks Pieth is “right to question this World Cup.”
The United States is set to co-host the World Cup with Canada and Mexico from June 11-July 19. However, the international soccer community has raised concerns over the country’s hosting capabilities due to Trump’s policies, including travel bans and aggressive tactics in dealing with migrants and immigration enforcement protestors.
The Trump administration’s expansionist posture on Greenland and travel bans have also sparked controversy. Recently, the administration announced a ban that would effectively bar people from Senegal and Ivory Coast from following their teams unless they already have visas. Fans from Iran and Haiti, two other countries that have qualified for the World Cup, will also be barred from entering the United States.
Oke Göttlich, vice president of the German soccer federation, has suggested that it is time to seriously consider boycotting the World Cup. The international soccer community’s concerns highlight the potential impact of political tensions on global sporting events.
The World Cup is expected to draw millions of fans from around the world. However, the current travel restrictions and concerns over the treatment of visitors may deter some fans from attending the event. The situation highlights the need for host countries to ensure that their policies and practices are welcoming and inclusive of international visitors.
The controversy surrounding the World Cup hosting has sparked a global debate about the intersection of sports and politics. As the event approaches, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what impact it will have on the tournament. According to additional sources, including the AP, the situation is being closely monitored by the international soccer community.
