Trump Threatens Relocation of World Cup Fixtures from Massachusetts, Olympics from California

Donald Trump has repeatedly announced he would pressure FIFA to remove upcoming World Cup events from a venue based on municipal governance, with Massachusetts emerging as the third urban area to receive such statements from the White House. Moreover, Trump indicated he would consider parallel steps against Los Angeles for the upcoming Olympic Games due to potential safety issues.

Jurisdictional Limits and Possible Pressure

While Trump lacks official jurisdiction to personally cancel either competition, he can lobby the organizing committees managing each competition to move venues.

Context of Remarks

The remarks were made during a media briefing with Argentinian president Milei, who was present in the executive mansion following the announcement of a multibillion-dollar bailout for the Latin American economy. At the close of the meeting, a journalist asked Trump about a latest public disturbance in downtown Boston where law enforcement were targeted and a cruiser was set on fire. The correspondent also asked if such events could result in the loss of hosting duties for the larger soccer tournament.

“It's possible to take them away,” he remarked regarding the soccer games, scheduled to be held at Gillette Stadium. “She is ineffective … she is radical left, and they’re dominating parts of Boston. That’s a pretty big statement, don't you think?”

Public Gatherings and Public Safety Concerns

Public disruptions, a social media-driven trend where participants gather on urban roads during nighttime to engage in dangerous driving, have been a frequent problem in US urban areas since the coronavirus closures. Latest such gatherings have become aggressive in Massachusetts, specifically in downtown. Yet, these gatherings are usually not seen as tied to any specific political ideology.

“In cases where a city is performing poorly, and I feel there’s security risks, I'd call Gianni [Infantino], who is excellent, and suggest let’s move it to a different city,” the former president commented on Tuesday. “He'd do that. He may not enjoy doing it, but he would comply. Very easily, he would.”

Political Connections

Gianni Infantino has been open his attempts to be visibly associated with Trump ahead of the upcoming World Cup, set to be staged in numerous American venues across the US along with several in the northern neighbor and three in Mexico. The organization's leader has participated at multiple presidential events, had Trump present the Club World Cup award after the championship match, and has even postponed his the group's assembly to travel with Trump on a journey to the Gulf states this year.

Past Statements

Nevertheless, Trump from suggesting the cancellation of soccer events from other US host cities. On September 25, Seattle and San Francisco came under comparable statements, with Trump stating both cities were “run by far-left extremists who are clueless what they’re doing,” while criticizing the public safety of both locales and implying that games could be shifted.

Organizational Statement

The organization's deputy Montagliani dismissed Trump’s statements when he commented afterward at a event in London.

“It is FIFA’s tournament, our responsibility, FIFA makes these matters,” Montagliani said. “Politely to current world leaders, football is bigger than any individual and the game will endure their tenure and their government. That is the beauty of this sport, that it is more significant than any individual and beyond any country.”

Olympics Threat

During the event, Trump’s answer to a inquiry about Boston veered into a comparable warning regarding the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“When I thought Los Angeles was failing to be prepared properly, I would move it to another location if necessary,” he remarked. “For the Olympics I’d probably have to get a different kind of approval, but we'd take that action.”

Any approval Trump mentioned would have to come through the Olympic governing body. Their leader, the newly elected president, was selected to her role in this year and has so far not appear together with Trump, although she indicated that she desires a discussion with the US figure at some point.

Other Remarks

The former president also questioned California governor Newsom’s management of this year’s blazes, remarking that a comparable scenario could cause the relocation of the Games.

“When Newsom is uncooperative, we are going to have to be firm,” Trump commented.

His statement was equally clear for the Massachusetts city.

“They must address these issues,” Trump stated. “That’s all I will say.”