FIFA ex-President Blatter backs call to boycott World Cup

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Deutsche Welle or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Sepp Blatter supports boycott call for US-hosted World Cup
• Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter echoes the call of Swiss lawyer Mark Pieth for fans to avoid attending the World Cup in the US
• Pieth cited concerns over US immigration policies and the negative impact on fans, particularly from countries like Iran and Haiti, who face entry bans
• Blatter’s comments come amid growing discontent over the US immigration crackdown and the Trump administration’s policies

🔭 The context: The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to be the most expensive in history
• US immigration policies, including travel restrictions, have raised concerns for competing countries and fans alike
• This marks a rare instance of criticism from within FIFA’s leadership, with Blatter’s successor, Gianni Infantino, facing backlash for his support of President Trump

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The environmental impact of hosting large global events like the World Cup includes significant carbon emissions from travel, infrastructure, and event operations
• Controversial political decisions that restrict access to the event could result in logistical complications, potentially affecting the sustainability practices of such events
• If environmental and political issues are not adequately addressed, the global response to climate goals and international cooperation could be hindered

⏭️ What’s next: FIFA and World Cup stakeholders may face increased pressure to address political concerns and ensure fair participation for all fans and teams
• The controversy surrounding US immigration laws could escalate, prompting broader discussions on how future global events are managed

📈 One stat: Fans from countries like Iran, Haiti, Ivory Coast, and Senegal are likely to face significant challenges in attending the World Cup due to US entry restrictions

See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance of global sports organizations and major event organizers

Click for more news covering the latest on carbon and sustainable sport