KUALA LUMPUR – Former Fifa president Sepp Blatter on Monday said he agrees with calls for fans to stay away from World Cup matches in the United States this year, citing concerns over security and the conduct of US authorities.
Blatter was responding to comments by Swiss anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth, who previously worked with Fifa on reform proposals during Blatter’s presidency.
“I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup,” Blatter was quoted saying the Guardian .
Pieth had urged supporters not to travel to the United States following the killing of protester Renee Good by an American immigration agent in Minneapolis earlier this month. Blatter’s endorsement came after the death of a second US citizen, Alex Pretti, last weekend.
The World Cup is scheduled to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
“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 following a series of corruption scandals and was succeeded by Gianni Infantino, who has since developed close ties with former US president Donald Trump.
Last year, Blatter and former Uefa president Michel Platini were definitively acquitted of charges related to a delayed payment of 2 million Swiss francs (about $2.5 million) made by Fifa to Platini in 2011 for consultancy work.
Earlier this month, Platini criticised Infantino’s leadership of world football, saying the Fifa president has “become more of an autocrat” and that “he likes the rich and powerful”. – January 27, 2026