logo
Fifa warned about free speech restrictions at 2026 World Cup

Fifa warned about free speech restrictions at 2026 World Cup

The warnings follow recent US government policies under President Donald Trump, which include a travel ban affecting 12 countries, such as World Cup qualifier Iran, and heightened criticism over responses to civil unrest.
The United States will co-host the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, with California's Rose Bowl also set to host matches during the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, which starts on Saturday.
Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe, said: "Fans travel to the World Cup to celebrate and express their passion and any attempt to curtail our fundamental rights, including the right to free speech, is a betrayal of the spirit of football.
"We're particularly concerned about the potential for selective enforcement and discrimination against fans based on our perceived political views or national origin.
"FIFA must obtain the necessary guarantees to ensure fans from all over the world are able to safely travel and attend the games."
Human rights organisations have voiced concerns about increasing restrictions on freedom of expression, particularly regarding pro-Palestinian protests.
Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch, said: "FIFA should publicly acknowledge the threat US immigration and other anti-human rights policies pose to the tournament's integrity and use its leverage with the US government to ensure that the rights of all qualified teams, support staff, media and fans are respected as they seek to enter the United States, regardless of nationality, gender identity, religion or opinion."
The US government has stated that the travel ban will not apply to players or team staff from qualified nations.
However, it will prevent fans from Iran and other affected countries from attending matches in person.
FIFA and the US State Department have been contacted for comment.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

STEPHEN GLOVER: Will Europe's soft, self-indulgent leaders have the stomach to take on Putin if Trump abandons Ukraine?
STEPHEN GLOVER: Will Europe's soft, self-indulgent leaders have the stomach to take on Putin if Trump abandons Ukraine?

Daily Mail​

time28 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

STEPHEN GLOVER: Will Europe's soft, self-indulgent leaders have the stomach to take on Putin if Trump abandons Ukraine?

How has it come to this? European politicians watching pathetically from the sidelines while Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin determine the future of their continent. Our own Sir Keir Starmer, long used to bending the knee to Trump and playing the sycophant, says the self-proclaimed dealmaker in the White House has 'brought us closer than ever before' to peace.

Jack Grealish has bit to prove — I know how he feels, says David Moyes
Jack Grealish has bit to prove — I know how he feels, says David Moyes

Times

timean hour ago

  • Times

Jack Grealish has bit to prove — I know how he feels, says David Moyes

Jack Grealish has a point to prove. That much is clear. To Pep Guardiola, after he unceremoniously discarded him from his plans at Manchester City, and to Thomas Tuchel as he looks to force his way into the England coach's plans before the 2026 World Cup. Then there is the faith of Everton, the manager, David Moyes, and their supporters to repay after the club committed £12million to meet the cost of a season-long loan deal that begins in earnest away to Leeds United on Monday night. But, most of all, Grealish has something to prove to himself. Chiefly that his best is not behind him and that the swagger that made him a £100million player four years ago can be realised again. If he can do so, then Moyes, who overcame his own army of doubters to reassert his managerial credentials after his brief tenure at Manchester United, is sure he will be a success. Asked what tipped the balance in his pursuit of Grealish, who will be 30 next month, he said: 'The knowledge that he thinks he's got a little bit to prove. 'Without putting all the pressure on Jack, and I think he carries a lot of pressure anyway because of who he is and what he is, I think he's got a wee bit where he has to prove one or two people [wrong]. I'm looking forward to seeing how he does. 'I've had to do that myself personally. I've had to come back from being knocked down. Sometimes you have to have that resilience to bounce back, to fight back and to show everybody. 'I just sense that Jack is carrying that with him now. I hope it shows through this season because, if it does, then we'll get a lot of good things from Jack.' Grealish has quickly made a positive impression at Everton. Moyes said he looks in 'fabulous' condition and his new team-mate Charly Alcaraz was struck by a different side to the player he has faced in the past. The Argentinian — another of the club's summer signings after a promising loan spell from Flamengo was turned into a permanent deal — said: 'He is a great guy. In the short time he has been here, he has chatted to everyone and tried to get to know everyone. 'What I have been really impressed about is that he has been a real warrior in training. We want that attitude. We are at a club where we are all in it together.' Only the three relegated clubs scored fewer goals than Everton (42) last season and Moyes wants to see Grealish 'in positions where he can score'. Whether that means starting on the left wing and drifting inside, or beginning in a No10 role, remains to be seen. In the past Jesse Lingard benefited from a spell under Moyes's tutelage. He scored nine goals and managed five assists in the second half of the 2020-21 campaign, having been overlooked by Manchester United and is an obvious reference point. 'I think we are all saying there is a Jack Grealish who played for Aston Villa, there's one who played for Manchester City, one we've seen playing for England,' Moyes said. 'And along the line, he has been playing for arguably the best manager in the world [Guardiola]. 'So I take his thoughts [Grealish's] but I have to find ways of getting the best out of players as well.' Moyes said he did not speak to Guardiola before Everton proceeded with the deal but, otherwise, his research was typically detailed. The most important chats were with Grealish and the enthusiasm he showed for the task ahead was refreshing given this has been a summer when plenty of other targets have rejected Everton's overtures. The superb Hill Dickinson Stadium on the banks of the River Mersey, which will host its first competitive game when Brighton & Hove Albion visit next Sunday, has the potential to be transformative. But a team to be proud of must rise from within it. 'The club has done brilliantly to build a new stadium,' Moyes said. 'It has taken years to happen but they've got there eventually and done it. 'I think now there has to be a building of a football club back inside it, to get it back to where it was and, more importantly, to get the team back to where it was. Or closer to where it should be. We are a long way off at the moment. 'I don't think we can do that in this window and make the team what we want it to be, but we are going to need people along the journey to make it more exciting and make people want to come and play. 'Whether that is through high-profile players or our league position or how we are playing and our performances, we are needing some of them to give us a lift now. 'There's been quite a few players who I've been disappointed have not chosen to come to Everton this summer and I think that's because, if you look at the last four or five years, we've not been in great shape. 'Hopefully, they are beginning to see a new stadium, great results in the second half of last season, and they start to believe Everton is a good home for them.' Grealish — who has started one Premier League match in 2025 — is on board. If he proves himself again, others are likely to follow. Monday, kick-off 8pmTV Sky Sports Premier League/Main Event

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store