- Sepp Blatter has supported a fan boycott of World Cup matches in the US.
- Concerns are linked to policies under President Donald Trump.
- Legal and travel restrictions have raised fears for visiting fans.
- Several football officials question the US as a suitable host.
- The World Cup will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has spoken in support of fans avoiding World Cup matches set to be played in the United States. He said the idea of a boycott deserves serious thought due to the actions of President Donald Trump and his government, both within the country and internationally.
Blatter shared his views through a post on X, where he backed comments made earlier by Swiss lawyer and anti-corruption expert Mark Pieth.
Mark Pieth, who once led oversight of FIFA reforms, questioned whether the United States is the right place to host the tournament. In an interview with a Swiss newspaper, he warned fans that travelling to the US could carry risks.
He suggested supporters would be safer watching matches from home, adding that visitors who upset authorities could face quick deportation.
The United States is scheduled to host the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. However, doubts about the US role have grown among football leaders and fans.
Blatter, who led FIFA from 1998 until 2015 before stepping down during a corruption probe, echoed Pieth’s concerns and said the tournament deserves closer review.
Many in the football world point to Trump’s policies as the main cause of worry. These include tough immigration rules, travel bans, and strong action against migrant protests in major US cities.
Trump’s statements on expanding US influence abroad have also unsettled international observers.
A senior official from Germany’s football federation said it may now be time to seriously think about staying away from the tournament.
Recent travel bans have already disrupted plans for African fans. Supporters from Senegal and the Ivory Coast were affected after new rules made entry difficult unless they already held valid visas.
Fans from Iran and Haiti, both World Cup qualifiers, are also expected to be blocked from entering the US. Their countries were included in earlier travel restrictions announced by the Trump administration.
With growing unease across continents, pressure continues to mount over whether fans will feel welcome and safe during the global tournament.
