Sepp Blatter has urged fans to boycott the 2026 World Cup
Former President of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), Sepp Blatter, has joined calls for the 2026 World Cup to be snubbed by fans over security concerns.
The comments came after Swiss anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth, who worked with Blatter at FIFA, suggested that due to insecurity in the United States, including alleged abuses by immigration services and persistent protests by aggrieved citizens, the country is not safe to host the tournament.
The lawyer noted that considering the unrest and chaotic incidents in the US, it would not be prudent for football fans to endanger their lives, urging them to avoid the competition.
US Embassy congratulates Black Stars on 2026 World Cup qualification
“What we are seeing domestically, the marginalisation of political opponents, abuses by immigration services, etc. hardly encourages fans to go there. For fans, just one piece of advice: avoid the United States!
“You’ll get a better view on television anyway. Upon arrival, fans should expect that if they don’t behave properly with the authorities, they will be immediately sent home. If they’re lucky…” Pieth told Swiss daily Tages-Anzeiger.
Commenting on the calls for a boycott, Sepp Blatter indicated that he fully agrees with Pieth’s advice for fans to avoid the tournament.
“I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup,” Blatter said on social media, as reported by The Guardian.
It is worth noting that Blatter resigned from his role as FIFA President in 2015 amid corruption scandals that plagued his administration, with Gianni Infantino succeeding him.
However, Blatter and former UEFA President Michel Platini were acquitted in 2025 over charges related to a delayed payment of 2 million Swiss francs.
SB/JE
Meanwhile, watch as GAF honor outstanding sports personalities
Source:
www.ghanaweb.com