Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has suggested football fans should avoid travelling to the United States for this year’s World Cup, citing security concerns and recent incidents of violence linked to immigration enforcement.
Blatter voiced his support on Monday for comments made by Swiss anti corruption lawyer Mark Pieth, who previously worked with FIFA on reform efforts during Blatter’s presidency. Pieth had urged supporters to stay away from the US for the tournament.
“I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup,” Blatter said on social media.
Pieth referenced the killing of protester Renee Good by an American immigration agent in Minneapolis earlier this month as a key reason fans should not travel. Blatter’s endorsement followed the reported death of a second US citizen, Alex Pretti, last weekend.
The World Cup is scheduled to be co hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.
“What we are seeing domestically the marginalisation of political opponents, abuses by immigration services, et. hardly encourages fans to go there,” Pieth said in an interview with Swiss daily Tages Anzeiger last week.
“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 stepped down as Fifa president in 2015 amid multiple scandals and was succeeded by Gianni Infantino, who has since built close ties with former US President Donald Trump.
Last year, Blatter and former Uefa chief Michel Platini were definitively acquitted of charges linked to a delayed payment of 2m Swiss francs made by Fifa to Platini in 2011 for consultancy services.
Earlier this month, former France captain Platini criticised Infantino, saying he has “become more of an autocrat” and “he likes the rich and powerful”.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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