🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump has yet again declared he would influence FIFA to relocate global soccer tournament games from a designated city based on that city's politics, with Boston becoming the latest targeted location to receive such warnings from the American leader. Moreover, Trump suggested he would contemplate parallel steps against LA for the 2028 Summer Games due to perceived security concerns.

Jurisdictional Limits and Potential Influence

While Trump lacks formal power to directly relocate either competition, he can apply pressure the respective governing bodies managing each competition to change host cities.

Background of Comments

The comments were made during a media briefing with Javier Milei, who was visiting the White House following the announcement of a $20 billion rescue package for the Latin American country. Near the close of the meeting, a journalist questioned Trump about a latest “street takeover” in Boston where police officers were targeted and a police vehicle was set on fire. The reporter also wondered if the situation could result in the loss of hosting duties for the larger soccer tournament.

“I would take them away,” the former president said concerning the World Cup fixtures, set to be hosted at the Foxborough venue. “Their mayor is ineffective … they're extremist, and they are taking over areas of the city. That’s a significant assertion, right?”

Urban Disturbances and Ideological Perceptions

Street takeovers, a social media-driven phenomenon where participants assemble on city streets during nighttime to conduct vehicular acrobatics, have emerged as a frequent nuisance in US urban areas since the lockdown shutdowns. Latest such gatherings have turned violent in the region, notably in the city. However, these events are typically not considered linked to any particular partisan agenda.

“When a mayor is performing poorly, and I believe there are unsafe conditions, I'd call Gianni [Infantino], who is excellent, and say it should be shifted to a different city,” the former president commented during the event. “He will do that. He wouldn’t love the action, but he would comply. Very easily, he'd comply.”

Political Connections

The organization's head has made no secret his efforts to be publicly aligned with the US leader prior to the 2026 event, scheduled to be hosted in 11 cities across the America along with two in Canada and multiple in Mexico. The organization's leader has participated at several Oval Office events, had Trump deliver the Club World Cup award after the championship match, and has even postponed his own organization’s congress to join Trump on a trip to the Middle East previously.

Previous Threats

This has not stopped, Trump from suggesting the relocation of soccer matches from other US host cities. In late September, Seattle and San Francisco faced parallel criticism, with Trump stating both urban centers were “run by far-left extremists who lack understanding what they are doing,” while questioning the safety level of both cities and claiming that matches could be shifted.

Organizational Statement

Victor Montagliani rejected Trump’s claims when he reacted afterward at a event in England.

“This is our competition, FIFA’s jurisdiction, FIFA makes these matters,” Montagliani said. “With all due respect to sitting presidents, football is transcends any individual and the game will survive their administration and their leadership. That is the strength of football, that it is bigger than one leader and bigger than any country.”

2028 Comments

On Tuesday, Trump’s response to a query about Boston included a comparable warning regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“When I believed the city was failing to be prepared properly, I would relocate it to an alternate venue as needed,” he said. “On that one I may have to secure a different kind of consent, but we'd take that action.”

The permission Trump refers to would need to come from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Their president, the newly elected president, was elected to her role in spring and has yet to hold a public appearance with him, though she stated that she would like a meeting with the US figure at a future time.

Additional Criticism

The former president also criticized California governor Newsom’s response of this year’s California fires, stating that a parallel incident could cause the removal of the Olympics.

“If Newsom doesn’t play ball, we are going to have to be strict,” the former president said.

His statement was just as clear for Boston.

“The city must improve their situation,” Trump stated. “That’s all I will say.”