FIFA President Blatter Suggests Fans Boycott US World Cup Due to Security Concerns
Sepp Blatter, the former president of FIFA, has come out in support of fans boycotting matches at the upcoming World Cup hosted by the United States. Blatter's endorsement is in response to concerns raised by Swiss anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth about the security situation in America.
Pieth cited the recent killing of protester Renee Gossett by an American immigration agent in Minneapolis as one reason for fans not to travel to the US. This incident comes on the heels of another tragic event, where a second US citizen, Alex Pretti, was killed last weekend.
Blatter agreed with Pieth's assessment, stating that the current state of domestic affairs in America "hardly encourages" fans to attend the tournament. In an interview, Pieth advised fans to "avoid the United States!" He warned that if they fail to behave properly towards authorities, they may be ejected from the event and potentially deported.
The 2026 World Cup is set to take place from June 11 to July 19 in the US, Canada, and Mexico. However, with rising concerns about racism, police brutality, and immigration policies, it seems that some fans are rethinking their travel plans.
This latest development raises questions about FIFA's handling of security issues and its relationship with host countries. As Blatter steps away from the spotlight, his endorsement of Pieth's comments highlights a growing divide between those who advocate for reform and those in power. The World Cup is set to be a major event this year, but it remains to be seen whether fans will take the warning to heart and stay away from the US.
Sepp Blatter, the former president of FIFA, has come out in support of fans boycotting matches at the upcoming World Cup hosted by the United States. Blatter's endorsement is in response to concerns raised by Swiss anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth about the security situation in America.
Pieth cited the recent killing of protester Renee Gossett by an American immigration agent in Minneapolis as one reason for fans not to travel to the US. This incident comes on the heels of another tragic event, where a second US citizen, Alex Pretti, was killed last weekend.
Blatter agreed with Pieth's assessment, stating that the current state of domestic affairs in America "hardly encourages" fans to attend the tournament. In an interview, Pieth advised fans to "avoid the United States!" He warned that if they fail to behave properly towards authorities, they may be ejected from the event and potentially deported.
The 2026 World Cup is set to take place from June 11 to July 19 in the US, Canada, and Mexico. However, with rising concerns about racism, police brutality, and immigration policies, it seems that some fans are rethinking their travel plans.
This latest development raises questions about FIFA's handling of security issues and its relationship with host countries. As Blatter steps away from the spotlight, his endorsement of Pieth's comments highlights a growing divide between those who advocate for reform and those in power. The World Cup is set to be a major event this year, but it remains to be seen whether fans will take the warning to heart and stay away from the US.
i mean come on these deaths of american citizens by immigration agents is super concerning but who needs more publicity like that?? fans just want to enjoy some soccer in peace, not get caught up in politics it's gonna be a mess if everyone stays away tho...