Demanding Safety Rights: Netherlands Coach Koeman Voices World Cup Security Fears

Amnesty International issued a report on Monday in which the human rights group cautioned that "strict curbs on freedom of speech and non violent demonstrations put at risk the 'safe, welcoming and inclusive' event that FIFA has vowed to deliver."

Responding to queries on security issues across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Ronald Koeman, head coach of the Netherlands, aired his apprehensions during a press briefing on Monday prior to the upcoming Tuesday friendly encounter with Ecuador.

"You don’t want this. Sport should be enjoyable, and you should be able to go somewhere safely. As a fan, too, you should be able to support your country safely. There needs to be clarity on this, and it needs to be properly organised," said Koeman.

"But that is down to all the associations. That is down to the entire organisation, including FIFA. I believe it will be properly organised. We are counting on that. I think it is right that people demand that players and fans must be safe during the World Cup."

The Netherlands find themselves in Group F alongside Japan, Tunisia, and the Sweden or Poland qualifier, facing them in the US venues of Dallas, Houston, and Kansas City.