Sepp Blatter, the former FIFA president, recently suggested that fans might want to skip the World Cup in the U.S. this year due to safety worries. He echoed the sentiments of Mark Pieth, a Swiss anti-corruption lawyer, who has a history with FIFA reform efforts.
Pieth raised serious concerns about the current climate in the U.S., citing the recent fatal incident involving a protester, Renee Good, and expressing unease over political tensions. He advised fans to stay home, claiming they’d have a better experience watching from their couches. “If fans misbehave, they could be sent home,” Pieth warned.
The upcoming World Cup, set from June 11 to July 19, will see games hosted in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Pieth’s opinion reflects growing anxieties about public safety, especially after another troubling event involving Alex Pretti, which added to the urgency of his message.
Concerns about safety aren’t new in sporting events. Historically, protests and civil unrest have impacted attendance and support. For instance, during the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, social issues and unrest tarnished the lead-up to the event.
Blatter, who left FIFA amid scandals in 2015, now finds himself in a complicated space, supporting calls for boycotts while reflecting on a FIFA legacy that remains controversial. His successor, Gianni Infantino, has faced criticism for his close ties to political figures and perceived autocratic leadership style, with former UEFA chief Michel Platini commenting on Infantino’s approach to governance.
Amid these discussions, football fans are left wondering whether attending the World Cup will be worth the risk. Regardless of one’s opinion on the safety of the tournament, it’s clear that the atmosphere heading into this World Cup is charged with tension, inviting debate not just on the sport, but on the broader social context that surrounds it.
For more insights on the closer look at the US hosting duties and the surrounding issues, you can read more in-depth coverage from resources like The Guardian.
