German MPs ‘to propose’ World Cup boycott over Trump threats to EU | OneFootball

A senior CDU MP, a prominent voice in Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s party, has raised the prospect of European teams staying away from the World Cup if Donald Trump pursues threats over Greenland and a trade war with the EU, shifting boycott talk from the leftist opposition into Berlin’s government.

According to Augsburger Allgemeine, Roderich Kiesewetter said participation would be unthinkable in those circumstances. Government sources told AFP that any decision on taking part would be for the German FA, the DFB, rather than politicians.

The Social Democrats, Merz’s coalition partners, have also aired concerns about supporter safety. Aydan Özoguz said the conditions under which matches would be played are unclear and suggested travel to the United States could be complex, adding it might be hard to stage games peacefully while threats against Europe run in parallel.

The Merz government could still opt for a diplomatic boycott, meaning no minister or head of state would attend matches, a role often filled by the interior minister, the chancellor or the president.

The tournament is scheduled for 11 June to 19 July across the United States, Mexico and Canada, adding complexity to any stance. There was similar debate over a diplomatic boycott of Qatar due to LGBTIQ+ concerns, although then interior minister Nancy Faeser ultimately travelled. The Greens and The Left are urging at least that fans avoid trips to the United States, citing the case of a woman killed in Minnesota by ICE.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo