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Former President Trump has once again declared he would influence FIFA to remove global soccer tournament events from a designated city based on the local politics, with Boston becoming the most recent such city to receive such warnings from the American leader. Furthermore, Trump remarked he would contemplate comparable measures against Southern California for the 2028 Summer Games due to potential security concerns.

Jurisdictional Limits and Informal Leverage

While Trump does not have official jurisdiction to personally cancel either event, he can lobby the international organizations in charge of each competition to change venues.

Background of Comments

His remarks were made during a media briefing with Javier Milei, who was at the executive mansion following the disclosure of a massive rescue package for the Argentine nation. Near the close of the gathering, a reporter asked Trump about a recent “street takeover” in downtown Boston where police officers were attacked and a cruiser was ignited. The correspondent also questioned if the situation could result in the revocation of organizing rights for the 48-team World Cup.

“It's possible to take them away,” Trump said about the soccer matches, set to be hosted at Gillette Stadium. “She is ineffective … she’s far-left, and they are dominating sections of the city. That’s a significant assertion, isn't it?”

Street Takeovers and Public Safety Concerns

Street takeovers, a online-fueled phenomenon where groups of people congregate on public avenues after dark to engage in dangerous driving, have been a frequent issue in American cities since the Covid-19 pandemic shutdowns. Current similar events have turned violent in the region, specifically in the city. Yet, these occurrences are typically not seen as tied to any specific partisan agenda.

“In cases where a city is failing, and I perceive there’s security risks, I'd call the FIFA head, who is outstanding, and tell him let’s move it to an alternate venue,” he said publicly. “He will do that. He may not enjoy the action, but he'd agree. Without hesitation, he'd comply.”

FIFA Relationship

Gianni Infantino has publicly acknowledged his efforts to be publicly aligned with the former president ahead of the 2026 event, set to be hosted in numerous American venues across the United States along with a couple in Canada and multiple in the southern neighbor. The organization's leader has been present at several White House events, had Trump present the Club World Cup trophy after the championship match, and has even delayed his FIFA's internal meeting to accompany Trump on a visit to the Gulf states this year.

Past Statements

Despite this, Trump from suggesting the cancellation of FIFA World Cup matches from additional American venues. Recently, Seattle and San Francisco faced similar statements, with Trump stating both cities were “governed by radical left lunatics who don’t know what they are doing,” while criticizing the public safety of both locales and claiming that events could be removed.

FIFA Response

Victor Montagliani dismissed Trump’s claims when he reacted afterward at a conference in London.

“This is the organization's event, FIFA’s jurisdiction, we decide those decisions,” the vice-president stated. “Politely to current world leaders, soccer is more important than political figures and soccer will endure their tenure and their government. It's the strength of this sport, that it is more significant than one leader and bigger than any country.”

2028 Comments

During the event, Trump’s response to a query about Boston extended to a similar threat regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“In case I thought the city was not adequately ready, I'd shift it to another location as needed,” he said. “On that one I may have to secure a varying permission, but we will take that action.”

Any approval Trump refers to would must come from the Olympic governing body. Their president, the newly elected president, was elected to her role in spring and has not yet meet publicly with the former president, though she indicated that she would like a sit-down with him at some point.

Further Comments

Trump also questioned the state's leader Newsom’s management of the California fires, remarking that a comparable scenario could cause the relocation of the Games.

“When he doesn’t play ball, we are going to have to be firm,” Trump commented.

The warning was just as direct for the Massachusetts city.

“Boston must clean up their act,” he remarked. “That is my message.”