Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has publicly backed calls for football fans to boycott travelling to the United States for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, citing growing concerns over immigration-related violence, civil rights abuses and overall security risks ahead of the global tournament.
The World Cup, scheduled to run from 11 June to 19 July, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. It is expected to attract millions of supporters from across the world, making it one of the largest sporting events ever staged across three nations.
However, Blatter believes the political and security climate in the United States raises serious questions about the safety and treatment of visiting fans.
Speaking on Monday via social media, the former FIFA boss voiced strong support for comments made earlier by Swiss anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth, who urged football supporters to avoid travelling to the United States during the tournament.
“I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup,” Blatter stated.
Pieth, who previously worked closely with FIFA on governance and reform efforts during Blatter’s presidency, had warned that recent domestic developments in the United States should concern football fans planning to attend matches.
His comments followed the fatal shooting of protester Renee Good in Minneapolis earlier this month, allegedly involving an immigration enforcement agent. The incident sparked national outrage and renewed debate over immigration policies and the conduct of federal authorities.
Blatter’s endorsement came shortly after reports emerged of a second death, that of US citizen Alex Pretti, who reportedly died during an immigration-related encounter last weekend. Though investigations are ongoing, the incidents have intensified criticism of law enforcement practices.
In an interview with Swiss daily newspaper Tages Anzeiger, Pieth said the current situation in the United States does not inspire confidence for international visitors.
“What we are seeing domestically – the marginalisation of political opponents, abuses by immigration services, and other excesses – hardly encourages fans to go there,” Pieth said.
He went further by issuing a blunt warning to football supporters.
“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.”
The remarks have generated widespread debate across football circles, especially given the global nature of the tournament and FIFA’s repeated assurances that fan safety remains a top priority.
FIFA has not officially responded to Blatter’s comments, but tournament organisers in the United States have consistently stated that comprehensive security arrangements are in place. American authorities maintain that all visitors will be welcomed and protected, regardless of nationality.
Still, critics argue that heightened border controls, aggressive immigration enforcement and rising political tensions may discourage attendance, particularly among fans from Africa, Latin America and parts of Asia.
Blatter, who served as FIFA president from 1998 until 2015, stepped down amid a series of corruption scandals that shook world football and led to sweeping reforms within the organisation. He was later succeeded by Gianni Infantino, who has remained president since 2016.
Although Blatter no longer holds any official position within FIFA, his statements continue to attract global attention due to his long association with the sport and his deep knowledge of its governance structures.
Under Infantino’s leadership, FIFA has strengthened its relationship with the United States, particularly during the administration of former US President Donald Trump. Infantino was frequently seen at White House events and publicly praised Trump’s support for expanding football in North America.
That relationship has drawn criticism from some former football administrators who believe FIFA has grown too close to political power.
Last year, Blatter and former UEFA president Michel Platini were definitively acquitted by a Swiss appeals court of corruption charges linked to a delayed payment of 2 million Swiss francs made by FIFA to Platini in 2011 for consultancy services.
The pair had maintained their innocence throughout the lengthy legal battle, arguing the payment was legitimate and based on an oral agreement dating back to the late 1990s.
Despite the acquittal, both men remain banned from football-related activities due to previous FIFA ethics rulings.
Earlier this month, Platini reignited tensions within global football governance by openly criticising Infantino. The former France captain accused the current FIFA president of consolidating power and abandoning the democratic traditions of the organisation.
“He has become more of an autocrat,” Platini said in an interview. “He likes the rich and powerful.”
Those comments echo growing concerns among football stakeholders who fear FIFA has shifted focus from sporting development to political influence and commercial expansion.
Blatter’s latest remarks add further pressure on FIFA at a time when the organisation is already facing scrutiny over scheduling, climate concerns, and the expanded 48-team World Cup format.
With matches spread across multiple US cities, fans will be required to travel extensively, raising additional questions about border checks, domestic policing, and coordination between federal and local authorities.
For African fans in particular, visa challenges and immigration policies have long been obstacles to attending major tournaments hosted in Europe and North America. Analysts warn that any perception of hostility or discrimination could significantly reduce attendance.
While supporters across the world eagerly anticipate the spectacle of the World Cup, Blatter’s comments highlight how political and human rights issues are becoming increasingly intertwined with global sport.
As preparations continue, FIFA faces mounting calls to ensure transparency, fan protection and equal treatment for all visitors, regardless of nationality or background.
Whether Blatter’s call for a boycott gains traction remains uncertain, but it has undoubtedly reignited debate about where and how the world’s biggest sporting events should be hosted.
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