When Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini Turn on FIFA
Calls for a boycott of the 2026 World Cup are gaining traction, but are highly unlikely to go anywhere.
The criticism of FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s cozy relationship with the US administration has reached new heights.
On 26 January, former FIFA President Sepp Blatter publicly endorsed a call for fans to boycott the World Cup in the United States. Writing on social media, Blatter stated: “For the fans, there’s only one piece of advice: stay away from the USA!”
He was adding to a furore sparked by Mark Pieth, FIFA’s former head of governance reform, who said the "abuses by immigration services" and the "marginalisation of political opponents" meant fans should avoid the US.
Despite Blatter being 89, and having been banned in disgrace amid the FIFAGate corruption scandals, his warning is unprecedented.
Blatter has significant support.
