Blatter backs warnings for fans to avoid the US World Cup
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has stirred up new debate ahead of the 2026 World Cup after suggesting that football supporters should think twice before travelling to the United States for the tournament. His comments have reopened old questions about safety, politics and the role of global sport in an increasingly tense world.
A resurfacing voice in football politics
Blatter may be long gone from FIFA’s top seat, but his influence has not disappeared. This week, he publicly supported remarks by anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth, who advised fans to stay away from the US due to what he described as worrying domestic conditions.
Pieth’s concerns were sparked by two separate incidents: the killing of Renee Good, a protester shot by an American immigration officer in Minneapolis earlier in January, followed by the death of a second citizen, Alex Pretti, a few days later. To Pieth, these events raise serious questions about travelling to a country he believes is experiencing growing internal conflict.
Blatter agreed, writing that Pieth was right to question the hosting environment for a tournament expected to draw millions. His comments have landed at a sensitive time, just months before the World Cup kicks off across the United States, Canada and Mexico on 11 June.
Why the concerns are growing
Pieth described a worrying picture in an interview with Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger. He highlighted what he views as the marginalisation of political opponents, alleged abuses by US immigration services and a general environment that he believes could place visiting fans at risk.
He warned supporters that even minor conflict with authorities could lead to detention or deportation. His stark advice was simple: watch the games from home.
While these statements reflect a specific viewpoint, they have gained traction because they touch on something football fans have debated for years. Where is the line between sport and politics, and what happens when a host nation becomes a lightning rod for global controversy?
France chooses a different path
Not everyone is considering a boycott. France’s sports minister, Marina Ferrari, has already stated that her country does not intend to withdraw from the competition. Her comments came after President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on eight European nations, including France, because they refused to support his proposal for the United States to take control of Greenland.
Ferrari emphasised that sport should remain separate from politics and described the World Cup as an important global moment. However, she acknowledged that political debate within France is ongoing and that circumstances could still change. For now, the French team is preparing to train in the Boston area as scheduled.
FIFA’s ties with the US remain strong
Despite the growing controversy, the relationship between FIFA and the US government appears stronger than ever. President Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino have formed a close partnership, highlighted by Trump receiving the first ever FIFA Peace Prize during the World Cup draw in Washington late last year.
Their alliance has raised questions about whether FIFA can remain neutral while political tensions rise on multiple fronts. For some critics, the awarding of the tournament to the United States, Canada and Mexico has become symbolic of football’s uneasy relationship with global power.
What this means for supporters
While concerns continue to circulate, millions of fans are still preparing to travel for what remains one of the world’s most anticipated sporting events. Stadiums across North America are expected to be full, regardless of political noise.
But Blatter’s comments have added a layer of doubt. Whether supporters heed the warnings or ignore them will become clearer in the months leading up to kick-off. What is certain is that this World Cup, even before a ball has been kicked, has already become one of the most politically charged in modern history.
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Source: SuperSport
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