🔗 Share this article

Ex-president Trump has once again declared he would urge FIFA to relocate 2026 World Cup matches from a venue based on the local governance, with Massachusetts now being the most recent such city to face such statements from the US president. Furthermore, Trump indicated he would consider parallel steps against LA for the upcoming Olympic Games due to potential public safety risks.

Jurisdictional Limits and Informal Leverage

Even though Trump lacks formal power to unilaterally remove either competition, he is able to lobby the international organizations overseeing each event to move host cities.

Background of Comments

These comments were made during a press event with Javier Milei, who was present in the executive mansion following the disclosure of a massive rescue package for the Latin American country. Toward the end of the gathering, a reporter questioned Trump about a recent “street takeover” in downtown Boston where police officers were assaulted and a police vehicle was burned. The journalist also asked if the situation could cause the revocation of hosting duties for the expanded soccer tournament.

“It's possible to take them away,” Trump said concerning the soccer matches, scheduled to be staged at the Massachusetts arena. “The city's leader is ineffective … she’s extremist, and they’re occupying areas of downtown. That’s a major statement, don't you think?”

Urban Disturbances and Public Safety Concerns

Unauthorized gatherings, a digitally organized phenomenon where groups of people gather on public avenues late at night to perform stunts, have emerged as a repeated issue in US urban areas since the coronavirus restrictions. Recent incidents have become aggressive in the region, including downtown. Nevertheless, these occurrences are typically not regarded as linked to any particular political ideology.

“In cases where a mayor is performing poorly, and I believe exist unsafe conditions, I will call Gianni [Infantino], who is excellent, and tell him let’s move it to an alternate venue,” the former president stated on Tuesday. “And he would do that. He wouldn’t love to do it, but he would comply. Without hesitation, he would.”

FIFA Relationship

FIFA President has made no secret his attempts to be visibly associated with the US leader before the 2026 event, planned to be staged in numerous American venues across the US along with a couple in the northern neighbor and a few in Mexico. The organization's leader has appeared at several presidential functions, facilitated Trump deliver the Club World Cup trophy after the concluding game, and has even rescheduled his own organization’s congress to accompany Trump on a visit to the Gulf states this year.

Earlier Warnings

Nevertheless, Trump from threatening the removal of soccer matches from different locations. On September 25, Seattle and the Bay Area metropolis came under comparable statements, with Trump asserting both urban centers were “led by ideological activists who lack understanding what they’re doing,” while challenging the safety level of both areas and implying that events could be removed.

FIFA Response

Victor Montagliani rejected Trump’s statements when he reacted afterward at a event in the UK capital.

“This is our competition, our responsibility, FIFA makes those decisions,” the vice-president stated. “Respectfully to current world leaders, soccer is transcends political figures and soccer will survive their administration and their leadership. It's the strength of football, that it is more significant than a single person and more important than a nation.”

Olympics Threat

On Tuesday, Trump’s answer to a question about the Massachusetts city included a comparable warning regarding the LA Olympic event.

“If I thought Los Angeles was failing to be adequately ready, I would shift it to an alternate venue if I had to,” Trump stated. “Regarding that event I might have to obtain a alternative approval, but we'd do that.”

The permission Trump alluded to would need to come through the Olympic governing body. The president, the newly elected president, was chosen to her position in March and has so far not appear together with him, although she indicated that she hopes for a discussion with him at some point.

Other Remarks

He also criticized the state's leader Newsom’s handling of recent LA wildfires, remarking that a comparable scenario could lead to the removal of the Olympics.

“When the governor is uncooperative, we’re gonna have to be strict,” the former president said.

The warning was equally unambiguous for the Massachusetts city.

“Boston must clean up their act,” Trump stated. “That’s all I will say.”