A prominent figure in German football, Oke Goettlich, has sparked a significant discussion regarding a potential boycott of the upcoming men’s World Cup scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. Goettlich, president of the St. Pauli club and a member of the German Football Association’s (DFB) executive committee, expressed his concerns in an interview with the Hamburger Morgenpost. He highlighted the need for dialogue on the matter, particularly in light of current socio-political issues.
“What were the justifications for the boycotts of the Olympic Games in the 1980s?” Goettlich stated. “By my reckoning, the potential threat is greater now than it was then. We need to have this discussion.” His remarks have generated a wave of criticism within Germany, particularly from Bernd Neuendorf, the DFB president. Speaking at an event hosted by the Deutsche Fussball Liga (DFL), Neuendorf characterized Goettlich’s call for a boycott as “ill-timed and not relevant to us.”
Neuendorf, who also serves on the FIFA Council, accused Goettlich of “jumping the gun” and emphasized that such discussions should occur within the DFB’s committees before being made public. “I don’t think this is a major debate at all,” he remarked, asserting that the majority of the DFB supports the notion that a boycott is misguided at this time.
Concerns Over Human Rights and Political Climate
Goettlich, known for his outspoken nature, has led St. Pauli since 2014. The club is recognized for its political activism and left-wing stance. In an interview with The Athletic, he elaborated on his concerns, stating, “It is clearly time to at least discuss a boycott. Right now, Germany’s Foreign Office has issued travel advisories for parts of the United States. We are seeing people die on the streets as a result of actions by immigration enforcement — ICE.”
He further expressed uncertainty about the unfolding political landscape, referencing broader issues that may impact the safety and rights of individuals in the host country. “Against that backdrop,” he continued, “it is responsible and necessary to openly discuss which scenarios are on the table.”
The dialogue surrounding a potential boycott is gaining traction, particularly following comments from former FIFA president Sepp Blatter. He endorsed remarks made by Swiss anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth, who advised fans to “avoid the United States.” Pieth warned that fans might face immediate deportation if they did not comply with authority expectations upon arrival. Blatter echoed these sentiments on social media, stating, “For the fans, there’s only one piece of advice: stay away from the USA!”
Political Implications of Football
Goettlich has also urged fans to reconsider their travel plans for the tournament, arguing that football cannot be separated from political issues. He stated, “The claim that football should not be politicised is simply no longer credible. That line was crossed long ago.” He pointed to previous international events, such as the 2018 World Cup in Russia, as examples of when political actions should have been addressed more directly.
“It would not be directed against the people of the United States,” Goettlich clarified regarding the boycott, “but against the government. It would be a form of protest toward those in power and an action in defence of human rights and the rule of law.” He emphasized that this stance is about solidarity with those affected by the current administration’s policies rather than an attack on the nation’s citizens.
Goettlich expressed a desire for constructive dialogue with civil society in the United States. “We would welcome the opportunity to engage directly with civil society initiatives in the United States to hear their perspectives on this debate,” he stated. His approach focuses on listening to those directly impacted by the ongoing political climate.
The conversation surrounding a potential boycott remains complex and multifaceted, reflecting the intersection of sports, politics, and human rights. As the World Cup approaches, the implications of Goettlich’s remarks and the responses from various stakeholders will likely shape the narrative leading up to the tournament.
