Sepp Blatter Supports Potential Boycott of 2026 World Cup in the US: Concerns Over Trump's Policies
Sepp Blatter, the former Fifa president, has expressed support for a potential boycott of the 2026 World Cup in the United States due to concerns over President Trump's policies. Swiss lawyer Mark Pieth, who worked on reforming Fifa during Blatter's tenure, advised fans to avoid traveling to the US for safety reasons. Blatter echoed Pieth's sentiments on social media, questioning the wisdom of attending the tournament in the US.
Blatter, who has been critical of his successor Gianni Infantino, faced repercussions from the Fifa corruption scandal in 2015. Pieth's recent comments, published in a Swiss newspaper, highlighted the growing unease among European football officials about the US hosting the World Cup. The scrutiny intensified following a tragic incident involving an immigrant in Minneapolis, further fueling concerns about the country's stability.
Pieth emphasized that hosting the World Cup in a country facing internal turmoil and disregarding international norms raises ethical questions. He pointed out that Fifa's statutes and human rights code should prevent a "rogue state" from hosting the tournament. The US's aggressive stance on international affairs and disregard for international law have also raised red flags for critics like Blatter and Pieth.
Blatter, who faced a ban over a payment scandal but was later cleared of criminal charges, has been vocal about his disapproval of Infantino's decisions regarding the World Cup and Club World Cup. Despite his tumultuous past, Blatter remains steadfast in his beliefs and mission, stating that he does not miss the presidency and sees himself as a dedicated advocate for the sport. The growing calls for a boycott of the 2026 World Cup underscore the deep-seated concerns about the tournament's location and the political climate surrounding it.