Ninety civil society groups are urging FIFA to protect 2026 World Cup fans from potential impacts of former President Trump's immigration policies. They expressed "deep concern" in a letter to FIFA President Infantino, requesting FIFA use its influence to guarantee the rights of visiting fans. The letter highlights Infantino's past engagements with Trump.
The groups want FIFA to publicly push Trump to reconsider his policies, which they argue risk international visitors and U.S. migrant communities. They warn that silence could be seen as approval of an authoritarian government. Signatories include Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the ACLU, and the NAACP.
The letter outlines Trump's policies and expresses concern for the 2.6 million expected visitors. It highlights increased enforcement actions and border restrictions, which have caused fear. The letter also notes potential travel bans affecting Iranian fans and cites examples of detentions.
The groups are advocating for the right to travel to the U.S. without fear of arbitrary denial or deportation, and for the protection of freedom of expression.
5 Comments
Raphael
FIFA has a duty to ensure a non-discriminatory atmosphere.
Leonardo
These groups are exploiting a sporting event for political gain. Shameful.
Michelangelo
This is ridiculous! FIFA is a sports organization. They should stick to soccer and leave politics out of it.
Leonardo
Good luck getting FIFA to push for anything besides money.
Donatello
The NGOs are crying wolf. The US is a safe country.