Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter Photo: VCG

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter publicly endorsed suggestions that fans avoid traveling to the US for World Cup matches, he said on X on Monday.

Blatter, who led FIFA from 1998 to 2015, is backing the comments from Swiss lawyer Mark Pieth, a former anti-corruption advisor to FIFA during Blatter's tenure. 

In an interview with the Swiss newspaper Der Bund, Pieth advised fans against attending matches in the US, citing risks related to immigration enforcement and broader political tensions under the current US administration.

Blatter's post echoed this, declaring, "For the fans, there's only one piece of advice: stay away from the USA!" He added his own commentary: "I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup."

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, cohosted by in Canada, Mexico and the United States, is set to begin in June. 

Blatter's remarks come after the death of protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis in January, which has sparked further widespread unrest in the US.

His comment has sparked varied reactions in China, with some viewing it as a critique of US policies on immigration and international relations, while others highlight his controversial past with FIFA, including a corruption-related ban from football activities.

FIFA has not issued an official response to Blatter's comments, and preparations for the expanded 48-team tournament continue across the three host nations US, Canada, and Mexico.