Göttlich criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who is considered a close ally of Trump, accusing the football leadership of double standards.
“Qatar was seen as too political, and now we’re completely apolitical?” he questioned. “That really bothers me.”
His remarks contribute to the ongoing debate in Europe about whether global sports can remain separate from politics as Trump heightens pressure on allies—ranging from Greenland threats to U.S. military actions in Venezuela—while considering the World Cup a significant soft-power achievement of his second term.
Not all governments are in agreement. France’s sports minister stated there was no intention in Paris to boycott the tournament, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, emphasizing that sport should stay distinct from politics.
However, some European football leaders are engaging in political issues. Norway’s football federation president, Lise Klaveness, has criticized human rights concerns associated with major tournaments, while Ireland’s football association advocated for Israel’s exclusion from international competition prior to the Gaza peace agreement last year.
Göttlich also dismissed fears that a boycott would unfairly affect players, including St. Pauli’s international stars.
“The life of a professional player is not more valuable than the lives of countless individuals in regions directly or indirectly affected or threatened by the World Cup host,” he asserted.
Leave a Reply