German Federation Chief Calls for Urgent 2026 World Cup Boycott Talks
An executive from the German football association has suggested it's appropriate to consider boycotting the 2026 World Cup following recent statements by President Donald Trump.
Relations between America and Europe have become extremely strained after President Trump expressed his intention to acquire Greenland—Danish territory—and his warning of tariffs against European countries that resist his objectives.
German politician Jürgen Hardt previously proposed boycotting this summer's championship, scheduled for the United States, Canada and Mexico, and this concept has been supported by Oke Göttlich, a federation executive and St. Pauli's president.
"What reasons justified the Olympic Games boycotts during the 1980s?" Göttlich stated to the Hamburger Morgenpost. "In my assessment, the current potential danger exceeds what existed back then. This conversation is necessary.
"[The 2022 World Cup in] Qatar was considered overly political by everyone, yet now we claim to be completely non-political? This truly, truly, truly troubles me.
"As institutions and communities, we're losing our ability to establish limits and boundaries and to uphold principles. Boundaries are fundamental to our position. Is a line crossed when someone makes threats? Is a line crossed when someone launches attacks? When lives are lost?
"I want to understand from Donald Trump where his boundaries lie, and I want answers from [German federation president] Bernd Neuendorf and [FIFA president] Gianni Infantino."
Boycott Proposals May Meet Opposition
Boycott Proposals May Meet Opposition
Following Hardt's initial boycott proposal, France's sports minister confirmed Les Bleus have no intention of pulling out from the tournament, though future actions remain possible.
"Currently, the ministry has no interest in boycotting this major competition," Marina Ferrari announced. "However, I won't predict future developments, and I've heard concerns from various political groups.
"I believe in maintaining sport's independence [from politics]. The World Cup represents a crucial moment for sports enthusiasts."
Opposition might emerge within Germany itself. Before the 2022 Qatar World Cup, criticized for human rights violations, German players objected to Qatar hosting the tournament, yet the national federation officially rejected boycotting.
Nevertheless, numerous supporters have expressed approval for taking a principled stance and withdrawing from the competition.
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Tom Gott is a writer, reporter and editor for Sports Illustrated FC. A lifelong Chelsea fan and academy football enthusiast, he spends far too much time on Football Manager.