Ex-FIFA president issues serious warning to anyone travelling to World Cup
As tensions with Donald Trump’s administration continue to rise both domestically and internationally, fans have called for a boycott of the World Cup.
The major football tournament matches are set to take place throughout the US, Canada and Mexico later this year. Some fans already fear they may not be able to travel to games due to Trump's ban on entry to the United States for people from several qualifying nations, though a US official has said it applies only to those seeking to immigrate.
And while fears of a boycott intensify, the former president of FIFA, Sepp Blatter, has issued a serious warning to anyone planning on going.
He’s the latest international figure in the sport to question the US hosting the World Cup amid so much unrest, including the current situation with Greenland and the dealings with migrants and protestors in the likes of Minneapolis.
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Yesterday (26 January), Blatter endorsed comments made by Mark Pieth, the Swiss anti-corruption lawyer who previously worked with Fifa on potential reforms during his time as president.
In an interview with Der Bund, the lawyer called for the boycott as he cited ‘the marginalisation of political opponents, abuses by immigration services’, etc.
He continued: “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.”
And on X, Blatter quoted Pieth as he wrote: “’For the fans, there's only one piece of advice: stay away from the USA!’
“I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup.”
This was a rare post on the social media platform from the former president, whose bio reads: “Football Philosopher.”
He stepped down from the position in 2015 amid several scandals and was replaced by Gianni Infantino, who seems to have struck up quite a bond with Trump.
Meanwhile, for Brits who plan to head out for the matches, the UK government has issued a warning.
Knockout fixtures could see England travel to Mexico, where it’s thought match tickets are likely to be cheaper, as well as the beer.
And the Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued a raft of warnings, ranging from alcohol intake to drugs and corrupt police officers, as fans start to book their flights and hotels ahead of a summer of football.
It says: “Do not leave food and drinks unattended in bars and restaurants.
"Criminals have robbed or assaulted travellers after drugging them. Tainted alcohol has caused illness or blackouts. If you have any concerns, get advice from your tour operator or the local authorities.
“There have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Mexico.”
Topics: World Cup, Donald Trump, Football
Jess Battison