AssetID: 55416630
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Sepp Blatter Backs Calls To Boycott World Cup Matches In The United States
Caption: Sepp Blatter backs calls to boycott World Cup matches in the United States. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has joined growing calls for a fan boycott of World Cup matches scheduled to take place in the United States. Blatter voiced his support in a post on X, aligning himself with criticism from Swiss anti-corruption expert Mark Pieth over the political climate in the host country. Pieth warned fans that traveling to the U.S. could carry risks, arguing spectators might face harsh treatment or deportation if they fall foul of authorities. Quoting Pieth directly, Blatter wrote that it was right to question whether the tournament should be held in the United States at all. The FIFA World Cup is due to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Concerns among football officials focus on policies pursued under Donald Trump, including travel bans, immigration enforcement and confrontations with protesters. Travel restrictions have already disrupted plans for fans from countries such as Senegal, Ivory Coast, Iran and Haiti, whose nationals face entry bans or tighter controls. German football official Oke Göttlich and others have also urged serious consideration of a boycott, reflecting mounting unease within the international football community. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Sports,Sepp Blatter,FIFA World Cup,United States,boycott,Donald Trump,football politics,travel bans,immigration,fan protests,international sport,ICE
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