Former FIFA leader Sepp Blatter recently voiced his endorsement for a fan-led boycott of the World Cup when it is hosted in the United States. His rationale stems from dissatisfaction with the policies and actions of the U.S. government under President Donald Trump, both domestically and on the global stage. This position echoes sentiments from various international football figures who have raised questions about the United States' appropriateness as a host nation for such a significant event.
Blatter's remarks were made via a social media post, where he referenced comments from Mark Pieth, a Swiss attorney and anti-corruption expert. Pieth, who previously chaired the Independent Governance Committee's efforts to reform FIFA, had suggested in an interview with a Swiss newspaper, Der Bund, that fans should avoid traveling to the U.S. for the tournament. Pieth warned of potential difficulties for attendees who might displease authorities, implying a risk of immediate deportation. Blatter, who presided over FIFA from 1998 to 2015 before resigning amid a corruption investigation, explicitly quoted Pieth in his post, stating his agreement with the critical assessment of the upcoming World Cup.
The concerns within the global soccer community regarding the U.S. hosting the event are multifaceted. They are particularly fueled by the Trump administration's assertive approach to various international matters, such as its interest in Greenland, alongside stringent immigration policies. These include travel restrictions and robust enforcement measures against migrants and those protesting immigration policies, notably in cities like Minneapolis. Such actions have led to a perception of an unwelcoming environment for international visitors.
Adding to the chorus of disapproval, Oke Göttlich, a vice president of the German football federation, indicated in an interview with the Hamburger Morgenpost newspaper that serious consideration should be given to boycotting the World Cup. This sentiment gained further traction following the Trump administration's expanded travel ban in December, which disrupted travel plans for fans from key African soccer nations like Senegal and Ivory Coast. The ban, justified by alleged "screening and vetting deficiencies," effectively barred individuals from these countries from entering the U.S. unless they already possessed visas. Furthermore, fans from Iran and Haiti, whose national teams have also qualified for the World Cup, face similar restrictions due to earlier iterations of the travel ban, intensifying concerns about inclusivity and access for participating nations and their supporters.
The former head of FIFA, Sepp Blatter, has joined a growing movement advocating for a fan boycott of the forthcoming World Cup in the United States. This call to action is rooted in criticisms directed at the current U.S. administration's conduct, particularly its immigration stance and broader international policies, which are seen as creating an unfavorable environment for a global sporting event. The collective skepticism from prominent figures within the international football arena underscores a significant debate surrounding the selection of host countries based on political and social climates.
