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Donald Trump has repeatedly announced he would urge FIFA to relocate global soccer tournament matches from a host city based on municipal governance, with Massachusetts becoming the third such city to receive such threats from the US president. Furthermore, Trump remarked he would contemplate similar action against Los Angeles for the upcoming Olympic Games due to perceived safety issues.

Legal Authority and Potential Influence

While Trump lacks formal power to personally cancel either tournament, he may lobby the respective governing bodies in charge of each competition to shift host cities.

Background of Comments

His comments were made during a press event with Javier Milei, who was at the executive mansion following the revelation of a $20 billion rescue package for the Latin American nation. Toward the conclusion of the gathering, a journalist questioned Trump about a recent public disturbance in downtown Boston where law enforcement were attacked and a police vehicle was set on fire. The journalist also questioned if these incidents could cause the removal of organizing rights for the 48-team World Cup.

“I would take them away,” the former president said concerning the FIFA World Cup matches, set to be hosted at the Massachusetts arena. “Their mayor is not good … she’s far-left, and they’re occupying parts of downtown. It's a major statement, isn't it?”

Public Gatherings and Ideological Perceptions

Street takeovers, a social media-driven trend where large crowds gather on city streets after dark to perform stunts, have become a ongoing nuisance in metropolitan centers since the lockdown closures. Current such gatherings have become aggressive in the region, specifically in downtown. However, these events are typically not seen as tied to any distinct ideological group.

“If a city is failing, and I believe there’s security risks, I would call the organization's president, who is outstanding, and tell him it should be shifted to a different city,” he said on Tuesday. “And he would do that. He may not enjoy doing it, but he would comply. Readily, he'd comply.”

FIFA Relationship

The organization's head has publicly acknowledged his attempts to be closely connected with Trump prior to next year’s tournament, planned to be hosted in multiple US locations across the US along with a couple in Canada and three in the southern neighbor. The FIFA president has appeared at multiple Oval Office functions, facilitated Trump present the club tournament cup after the concluding game, and has even rescheduled his own organization’s congress to join Trump on a trip to the Gulf states earlier in 2025.

Past Statements

Nevertheless, Trump from threatening the cancellation of World Cup events from other US host cities. In late September, the Washington city and San Francisco faced similar criticism, with Trump claiming both locations were “governed by radical left lunatics who don’t know what they're managing,” while challenging the public safety of both areas and implying that matches could be relocated.

FIFA Response

Victor Montagliani rejected Trump’s claims when he responded days later at a event in England.

“It is the organization's event, under our authority, we decide these matters,” he stated. “With all due respect to current world leaders, the sport is transcends political figures and soccer will endure their administration and their government. It's the beauty of football, that it is more significant than any individual and bigger than individual states.”

2028 Comments

Similarly, Trump’s response to a inquiry about Boston included a parallel statement regarding the LA Olympic event.

“When I perceived Los Angeles was not prepared properly, I'd move it to another location as needed,” Trump stated. “On that one I may have to secure a different kind of consent, but we'd proceed.”

Any approval Trump alluded to would must come through the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Their leader, she, was chosen to her position in this year and has not yet hold a public appearance with the former president, although she stated that she would like a discussion with the US figure at a future time.

Other Remarks

The former president also questioned California governor Newsom’s management of recent California fires, stating that a similar situation could lead to the relocation of the Games.

“In case Newsom refuses to cooperate, we will have to be strict,” the former president stated.

His message was equally unambiguous for Boston.

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