\n<\/p>\n
Some believe that, depending on Trump’s next moves, the situation could become harder for sports bodies to navigate.<\/p>\n
“Fifa and the IOC could be heading towards one almighty headache,” according to John Zerafa, a veteran advisor to countries and cities wanting to host major sports events.<\/p>\n
“Both organisations’ charters emphasise peace, respect for sovereignty, and non-discrimination.<\/p>\n
“In Russia’s case, that led to bans and restrictions on athletes and teams. If, in a worst-case scenario, the US were to use force against Greenland – a Nato ally’s territory – would those same principles apply? If Denmark qualifies via the play-offs, would it boycott the World Cup? Would European or Nato leaders refuse to attend US-hosted events?<\/p>\n
“This isn’t just geopolitics. It’s a looming stress-test for sporting institutions that pride themselves on neutrality, yet repeatedly find themselves forced to take political positions when international law and conflict collide with global competition.”<\/p>\n
Trump’s hardline immigration policy could also have an impact on the World Cup, which begins on 11 June.<\/p>\n
Fifa vowed to have a welcoming and unifying tournament, but there are now four competing countries – Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast – whose fans face full or partial travel bans, with the White House referencing a need to manage security threats.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, domestic tensions in the US have intensified after Renee Good, 37, was shot dead by an immigration agent in Minneapolis last week, triggering large protests in the city.<\/p>\n
Even before the incident, human rights organisations had claimed the World Cup was at increasing danger of being “weaponised for authoritarian aims”, external<\/span><\/a> and criticised “escalating attacks on immigrants in the US… and threats to press freedom and the rights of peaceful protesters”.<\/p>\n As Fifa’s biggest-ever tournament approaches it will be fascinating to see what further impact US action overseas has on ticket sales, collaboration between the co-hosts on issues such as security, and whether sports bodies feel they need to do more to navigate a complicated geopolitical landscape.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n