President Trump Proposes Relocating World Cup Matches Again Reports The Athletic
Former President Donald Trump has reignited discussions about relocating World Cup matches from certain U.S. cities, pinpointing Boston as a potential candidate. His statements came during a meeting with Argentina’s President Javier Milei at the Oval Office, where he expressed discontent with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
Trump’s Remarks on Boston
In response to a reporter’s inquiry about Wu, Trump stated, “We can take them away.” He praised Boston’s residents while criticizing the mayor, asserting, “She’s intelligent … but she’s radical left.” His comments followed recent protests in Boston, which had turned violent, leading to multiple arrests.
Public Safety Concerns
While engaging with the media, Trump referenced “street takeovers” associated with the protests without elaborating. The Boston police have charged 13 individuals with felonies in connection with the unrest, signaling a tough stance on civil disorder.
Mayor Wu’s Response
In light of Trump’s remarks, Mayor Wu reaffirmed Boston’s commitment to hosting the World Cup. She stated, “Boston is honored and excited to host World Cup matches, and we look forward to welcoming fans from around the world.” Notably, Gillette Stadium, located about 30 miles from Boston, is set to hold seven World Cup matches in 2026.
Trump’s Influence on FIFA
Despite Trump’s claims, an article from The Athletic indicated that the U.S. government has no official say in the selection of host cities for the World Cup. Nevertheless, Trump asserted his connection with FIFA’s President Gianni Infantino, suggesting he could influence match locations if safety concerns arose.
FIFA’s Official Position
In response to Trump’s comments, FIFA emphasized that safety and security are the paramount considerations for all events. The governing body stated, “Safety and security are obviously the governments’ responsibility.” They hope that each host city will meet the necessary requirements to ensure public safety.
Future Sports Events
Trump also hinted at the possibility of relocating the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, criticizing California’s Governor Gavin Newsom. Both Boston and Los Angeles are governed by Democrats, whom Trump has targeted in his comments.
Conclusion
Trump’s remarks about relocating World Cup matches from Boston highlight ongoing tensions over public safety and governance. As the World Cup approaches, both local authorities and federal influences will shape the event’s success.
