Khaberni - In shocking statements that reshuffled the political and sports cards a few months before the launch of the most prominent football event, the Swiss Joseph Blatter, the former president of the International Federation of Football Association (FIFA), made a controversial call to football fans around the world, explicitly urging them to "avoid traveling" to attend the 2026 World Cup scheduled in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Warnings of "violations" in immigration
Blatter's call was not just a passing opinion but was based on deep security and political concerns; he expressed intense worry about the strict measures followed by the U.S. immigration authorities under the current administration.
Blatter said in his statements: «What we see internally from violations committed by immigration authorities, does not encourage the fans to go there».
He added that the restrictions imposed on entry visas and the fear of "arbitrary" treatment at the borders could turn the fans' journey into a legal and administrative nightmare.
"Watch the World Cup on TV"
In a phrase described by the international press as "the knockout blow" to American marketing efforts for the tournament, Blatter directly advised fans saying: «For the fans, I have only one piece of advice: Avoid the United States! You will get a better view of the World Cup on TV anyway».
This statement adds fuel to the already heated debates in Europe and South America; where the calls for a boycott are escalating in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, whether on immigration issues or the imposition of tariffs on European allies, up to the recent crisis related to intervention in Venezuela.
Critical timing and pressure on "Infantino"
Blatter's "outcry" comes at a time when his successor, Gianni Infantino, is trying to reassure the national federations and fans that the World Cup will be a "global celebration". However, Blatter's words - who led FIFA for many years - carry significant weight in many sports circles.
Analysts believe that these statements will increase the level of concern among fans in countries whose citizens face difficulties entering the U.S., which could lead to a sharp decline in ticket sales and hotel bookings.
While there has yet to be an official response from the organizing committee in the United States, the sports public is waiting to see whether these calls will turn into an actual boycott movement, or if the passion for football will ultimately overcome political barriers and diplomatic warnings.
