Former Nigerian senator and human rights activist Shehu Sani has reacted to growing calls for a boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that the situation highlights the dangers of FIFA becoming deeply involved in global politics.
In a post shared on his official X account on Monday January 12 2026 Sani said he had been following the boycott campaign directed at the tournament which is set to be co hosted by the United States Canada and Mexico. He noted that FIFA’s political associations could lead to serious consequences for the competition.
“I have read the call for the boycott of the FIFA World Cup in the US. This is one of the demerits of FIFA meddling or dabbling into global politics,” Sani wrote. “If the Europeans and Latin Americans pull out that will be the end of the story.”
The calls for a boycott stem from FIFA’s relationship with the administration of United States President Donald Trump particularly after the decision to present him with a controversial sports peace prize despite ongoing corruption allegations and widespread criticism of his policies. This move has reignited debate over whether football’s global governing body has abandoned its neutrality.
Critics of FIFA have raised several concerns including the Trump administration’s immigration policies travel restrictions affecting certain countries hostile rhetoric toward Mexico and wider human rights issues. Economic concerns such as rising ticket prices and FIFA’s decision to expand the tournament to 48 teams have also been highlighted as factors that could distance fans and smaller football nations.
Sani’s remarks reflect growing fears that any coordinated withdrawal by major football regions in Europe or Latin America could significantly undermine the credibility and competitive appeal of the 2026 World Cup potentially leading to one of the most serious football his political news or want to stay informed about global developments use the button below to get more verified news from Nigeria and around the world today.
