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Ex-president Trump has once again stated he would urge FIFA to relocate 2026 World Cup games from a venue based on the local politics, with Massachusetts becoming the most recent urban area to face such warnings from the White House. Moreover, Trump indicated he would evaluate comparable measures against Los Angeles for the upcoming Olympic Games due to potential security concerns.

Official Power and Informal Leverage

Although Trump does not have official jurisdiction to unilaterally remove either tournament, he can apply pressure the organizing committees in charge of each tournament to move locations.

Background of Comments

His remarks were made during a news conference with Argentinian president Milei, who was at the presidential residence following the revelation of a multibillion-dollar rescue package for the South American economy. Toward the conclusion of the gathering, a journalist inquired Trump about a latest unauthorized gathering in the city where police officers were attacked and a cruiser was set on fire. The correspondent also questioned if these incidents could result in the loss of hosting duties for the larger football competition.

“We could take them away,” Trump said concerning the World Cup games, set to be hosted at Gillette Stadium. “She is not good … they're far-left, and they’re dominating areas of Boston. That’s a significant statement, isn't it?”

Urban Disturbances and Ideological Perceptions

Unauthorized gatherings, a online-fueled phenomenon where large crowds congregate on urban roads during nighttime to engage in dangerous driving, have been a ongoing nuisance in US urban areas since the Covid-19 pandemic shutdowns. Recent similar events have escalated into violence in the region, notably in the city. Yet, these events are generally not seen as tied to any distinct ideological group.

“When someone is performing poorly, and I perceive there’s unsafe conditions, I would call the organization's president, who is outstanding, and say it should be shifted to another location,” the former president commented on Tuesday. “He will do that. He might not prefer to do it, but he'd agree. Very easily, he would.”

FIFA Relationship

FIFA President has publicly acknowledged his efforts to be closely connected with the US leader prior to the upcoming World Cup, set to be staged in numerous American venues across the America along with a couple in the northern neighbor and multiple in Mexico. The organization's leader has participated at multiple White House events, facilitated Trump present the Club World Cup trophy after that tournament’s final, and has even postponed his the group's assembly to accompany Trump on a visit to the Gulf states this year.

Past Statements

Despite this, Trump from warning about the relocation of World Cup matches from different locations. In late September, the Washington city and the Bay Area metropolis were comparable statements, with Trump claiming both cities were “governed by ideological activists who lack understanding what they are doing,” while questioning the security conditions of both locales and suggesting that games could be removed.

FIFA Response

FIFA vice-president Montagliani rejected Trump’s statements when he reacted subsequently at a conference in England.

“This is the organization's event, under our authority, we decide those decisions,” the vice-president said. “Respectfully to current world leaders, football is bigger than any individual and soccer will outlast their administration and their leadership. That is the beauty of football, that it is bigger than a single person and beyond individual states.”

2028 Comments

During the event, Trump’s reply to a query about the Massachusetts city veered into a comparable warning regarding the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“In case I perceived LA was not adequately ready, I'd relocate it to an alternate venue if necessary,” Trump stated. “On that one I’d probably have to get a alternative permission, but we will proceed.”

Official consent Trump refers to would have to come via the IOC. Their head, the newly elected president, was elected to her role in March and has yet to appear together with him, but she said that she desires a meeting with the US figure at some point.

Other Remarks

The former president also criticized the state's leader Newsom’s response of this year’s LA wildfires, stating that a parallel incident could lead to the removal of the event.

“In case the governor doesn’t play ball, we will have to be strict,” Trump said.

His message was similarly unambiguous for Boston.

“Boston should clean up their act,” Trump stated. “It's I will say.”