U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday (Oct. 14) that he would pressure FIFA, citing security concerns, to revoke Boston's hosting rights for the World Cup. Trump claimed that the city has seen numerous protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions targeting illegal immigrants, describing its public security situation as extremely poor. He also criticized Boston's Democratic Chinese-American Mayor, Michelle Wu.
"We could take them away," Trump said of the World Cup games. "I love the people of Boston, and I know the games are sold out. But your mayor is not good."
Regarding the World Cup, Trump hinted that he could directly appeal to FIFA President Gianni Infantino."If someone is doing a bad job, and I feel there are unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni, the head of FIFA, who is phenomenal, and say, Let's move it to another location," Trump said on Tuesday. "And he would do that. He wouldn't love to do it, but he'd do it. Very easily, he'd do it."
However, FIFA Vice-President Montagliani had previously emphasized that FIFA holds the final authority over venue decisions, dismissing Trump's similar remarks. "This is FIFA's event, under FIFA's jurisdiction, and FIFA makes the decisions." Analysis also suggests that major events like the World Cup require years of preparation, with locations determined well in advance. Arbitrarily changing venues would pose significant logistical and contractual challenges.
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