Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter suggested on Monday that he supports fans boycotting World Cup matches in the United States this year over security concerns.
Blatter backed comments from anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth, who worked with FIFA on possible reforms when Blatter was still in charge, and said fans should stay away from the US during the tournament.
“I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup,” Blatter said on social media.
Pieth cited the killing of protester Renee Good by a US immigration agent in Minneapolis earlier in January as a reason for supporters not to travel to the US, with Blatter’s endorsement of his comments following the death of a second US citizen, Alex Pretti, last weekend.
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The FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
“What we see in our own country – the marginalization of political opponents, abuse by immigration authorities, etc. – hardly encourages fans to go there,” Pieth said in an interview with Swiss daily Tages-Anzeiger last week.
«One more piece of advice for the fans: avoid the United States! You will get a better picture on television anyway.
«Fans should be aware upon arrival that if they do not behave properly towards the authorities, they will be sent home immediately. If they are lucky…»
Blatter resigned as FIFA president in 2015 amid several scandals and was replaced by current boss Gianni Infantino.
Blatter and former UEFA chief Michel Platini were finally acquitted last year on charges stemming from a delayed payment of two million Swiss francs that FIFA made to Platini in 2011 for consultancy services.
Former French star Platini said earlier this month that Infantino, who has developed a close bond with US President Donald Trump, has “become more of an autocrat” and “he loves the rich and powerful”.
Published on January 26, 2026
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