In response to security concerns, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter suggested fans boycott World Cup matches in the United States this year.
Mark Pieth, the anti-corruption lawyer who worked with FIFA on potential reforms when Blatter was head, said fans should avoid the USA during the tournament. Blatter backed that claim. Blatter said on Social Media.
“I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup,” .
Pieth cited the killing of protester Renee Good by an American immigration agent in Minneapolis earlier in January as one reason for supporters not to travel to the USA, with Blatter’s endorsement of his comments coming in the wake of the death of a second US citizen, Alex Pretti, last weekend.
The World Cup is due to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Pieth said in an interview with Swiss daily Tages-Anzeiger last week.
“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…“
Sepp Blatter resigned as FIFA president in 2015 amidst a series of scandals and was succeeded by the current president, Gianni Infantino.
In a significant legal development, Blatter and former UEFA president Michel Platini were acquitted last year of charges related to a delayed payment of two million Swiss francs (£1.8 million) that FIFA made to Platini in 2011 for consultancy services.
Earlier this month, Platini expressed concerns regarding Infantino’s leadership style, suggesting that he has adopted a more autocratic approach and has shown a preference for aligning with the wealthy and influential.
