🔗 Share this article

Former President Trump has yet again stated he would pressure FIFA to pull global soccer tournament matches from a designated city based on the local politics, with Massachusetts emerging as the latest targeted location to face such statements from the American leader. Additionally, Trump suggested he would contemplate comparable measures against Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Games due to potential safety issues.

Jurisdictional Limits and Informal Leverage

Even though Trump does not have direct legal authority to unilaterally remove either event, he may exert influence the international organizations overseeing each event to move venues.

Setting for Statements

The comments were made during a media briefing with Argentinian president Milei, who was present in the White House following the announcement of a multibillion-dollar rescue package for the South American country. Toward the conclusion of the event, a reporter asked Trump about a latest unauthorized gathering in Boston where authorities were assaulted and a patrol car was set on fire. The reporter also wondered if such events could lead to the removal of hosting duties for the expanded football competition.

“It's possible to take them away,” he stated concerning the soccer matches, scheduled to be hosted at the Foxborough venue. “She is not good … they're radical left, and they are taking over parts of downtown. That is a pretty big statement, isn't it?”

Public Gatherings and Public Safety Concerns

Street takeovers, a online-fueled trend where participants congregate on city streets during nighttime to perform stunts, have been a frequent problem in US urban areas since the lockdown shutdowns. Current such gatherings have escalated into violence in the state, notably in the city. However, these events are typically not considered tied to any distinct ideological group.

“If someone is performing poorly, and I perceive exist unsafe conditions, I'd call Gianni [Infantino], who is outstanding, and suggest let’s move it to an alternate venue,” he stated during the event. “He will do that. He might not prefer the action, but he would comply. Readily, he'd comply.”

Organizational Alignment

The organization's head has been open his attempts to be visibly associated with the US leader prior to the 2026 event, scheduled to be organized in numerous American venues across the United States along with two in Canada and three in the southern neighbor. The head has participated at multiple presidential functions, arranged for Trump hand over the FIFA club trophy after the championship match, and has even rescheduled his the group's assembly to travel with Trump on a journey to the Gulf states this year.

Previous Threats

This has not stopped, Trump from warning about the relocation of World Cup games from different locations. In late September, Seattle and the Bay Area metropolis came under parallel comments, with Trump claiming both cities were “run by ideological activists who lack understanding what they’re doing,” while criticizing the security conditions of both cities and suggesting that games could be relocated.

FIFA Response

Victor Montagliani rejected Trump’s assertions when he responded subsequently at a conference in England.

“It is FIFA’s tournament, our responsibility, the organization determines these matters,” the vice-president stated. “With all due respect to current world leaders, football is more important than any individual and football will outlast their administration and their government. It's the strength of our game, that it is more significant than a single person and bigger than a nation.”

LA Games Warning

Similarly, Trump’s response to a query about Boston extended to a parallel statement regarding the LA Olympic event.

“If I believed LA was failing to be adequately ready, I will relocate it to another location if necessary,” Trump stated. “On that one I may have to obtain a different kind of permission, but we'd proceed.”

The permission Trump refers to would have to come from the IOC. Their president, she, was elected to her position in this year and has yet to meet publicly with the former president, though she stated that she hopes for a discussion with Trump at some point.

Other Remarks

He also criticized Gavin Newsom’s response of recent California fires, stating that a parallel incident could result in the relocation of the event.

“In case the governor doesn’t play ball, we will have to be very tough,” Trump said.

The warning was equally direct for the Massachusetts city.

“They better improve their situation,” he remarked. “That’s all I will say.”