Former FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, indicated on Monday that he is in favour of supporters shunning World Cup matches in the United States this year, citing concerns over safety and security.
Blatter publicly backed remarks made by Swiss anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth, who previously collaborated with FIFA on reform initiatives during Blatter’s tenure, urging fans to avoid travelling to the US for the tournament.
In a post on social media, Blatter wrote, “I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup.”
Pieth pointed to the killing of protester Renee Good by an American immigration agent in Minneapolis earlier this month as one reason why supporters should stay away, with Blatter’s endorsement coming after a second US citizen, Alex Pretti, died last weekend.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.
Pieth told Swiss daily Tages-Anzeiger, “What we are seeing domestically, the marginalisation of political opponents, abuses by immigration services, etc., hardly encourages fans to go there.”
He added, “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 …”
Blatter, who stepped down as FIFA president in 2015 amid various scandals, was succeeded by Gianni Infantino.
He and former UEFA chief Michel Platini were definitively cleared last year of charges related to a delayed consultation payment by FIFA.
Former France star Platini has recently criticised Infantino, saying he has “become more of an autocrat” and “he likes the rich and powerful.”
