US President Donald Trump and Fifa President Gianni Infantino's Relationship
Rights organisations have issued a collective travel advisory urging fans, players, journalists, and other visitors attending this summer's World Cup in the United States to exercise caution. Over 120 groups have expressed concerns related to what they describe as "the Trump administration's violent and abusive immigration crackdown."
"The Trump administration's rising authoritarianism and increasing violence pose serious risks to all,"the advisory states. It further highlights that minority groups are particularly vulnerable to significant harm. The coalition also criticises Gianni Infantino, president of football's global governing body FIFA, for his close association with US President Donald Trump.
The coalition, which includes the American Civil Liberties Union, has called on FIFA to exert pressure on US authorities to respect the fundamental human rights of everyone visiting and attending the games.
US officials have yet to respond to the travel advisory. FIFA, however, affirmed its commitment to respecting all internationally recognised human rights and its efforts to promote their protection.
The US Travel Association, a non-profit representing the travel industry, criticised the advisory, describing it as "sabotage" rather than a genuine attempt to protect visitors.
"There are legitimate ways to challenge policies you oppose and harming the livelihoods of American workers and businesses by frightening away visitors isn't one of them,"said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the US Travel Association.
"We'll keep doing it differently: making the honest case, staying in the room, and fighting for an America that's open, competitive, and worth the trip."
FIFA reiterated its commitment to human rights across all key activities and stakeholders connected to the tournament, citing various documents and advisory groups it has established to address human rights concerns.
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What Is the Travel Advisory About?
The rights groups warn travellers about potential risks including denial of entry, arrest, travel restrictions affecting citizens from numerous countries, social media screening, racial profiling, and increased surveillance.
Notably, there are travel bans on nationals from four countries participating in the tournament: Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast.
The advisory recommends that travellers take precautions such as removing sensitive information from their phones and keeping friends and family informed about their travel plans.
The United States is co-hosting the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, with 78 of the 104 scheduled matches set to take place in the US.
The signatories criticise FIFA for failing to provide "concrete guarantees" regarding traveller safety while its president, Gianni Infantino, has aligned himself closely with the Trump administration. In December, Infantino awarded President Trump FIFA's inaugural Peace Prize.
Immigration enforcement has been a central focus of the Trump administration, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) experiencing significant expansion in scope and budget. ICE has faced criticism for its enforcement methods, particularly following the fatal shooting of two US citizens protesting the immigration crackdown.
US officials have confirmed that ICE agents will be involved in World Cup security. Earlier this year, fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) expressed to their "extreme concern" over the ongoing militarisation of US police forces.
Last month, human rights organisation Amnesty International released a report warning that the World Cup could become "a stage for repression and a platform for authoritarian practices."
In response, the White House's World Cup Task Force stated that the tournament will be "the largest, safest, and most welcoming sporting event in history," emphasising efforts to showcase America's hospitality, commitment to security, and spirit of excellence.
The Task Force assured that fans "can look forward to a smooth, secure, and truly unforgettable tournament."
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