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Former President Trump has yet again announced he would influence FIFA to relocate upcoming World Cup games from a venue based on the local governance, with Boston emerging as the latest targeted location to receive such statements from the American leader. Additionally, Trump indicated he would consider similar action against Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Games due to perceived security concerns.

Legal Authority and Informal Leverage

Although Trump does not have formal power to unilaterally remove either competition, he may exert influence the organizing committees managing each competition to move locations.

Setting for Statements

The statements were made during a media briefing with Javier Milei, who was at the presidential residence following the disclosure of a $20 billion bailout for the Latin American nation. At the conclusion of the gathering, a media member inquired Trump about a recent public disturbance in Boston where police officers were assaulted and a police vehicle was ignited. The reporter also questioned if the situation could cause the revocation of organizing rights for the 48-team World Cup.

“It's possible to take them away,” he stated regarding the soccer games, scheduled to be staged at Gillette Stadium. “Their mayor is ineffective … she’s far-left, and they are taking over parts of downtown. It's a significant statement, right?”

Street Takeovers and Political Context

Street takeovers, a digitally organized occurrence where large crowds assemble on city streets after dark to engage in dangerous driving, have become a ongoing nuisance in US urban areas since the lockdown restrictions. Recent similar events have become aggressive in Massachusetts, notably in the city. Nevertheless, these gatherings are typically not seen as linked to any particular partisan agenda.

“If someone is failing, and I perceive there are unsafe conditions, I will call the organization's president, who is outstanding, and suggest it should be shifted to a different city,” Trump commented publicly. “And he would do that. He might not prefer doing it, but he'd agree. Without hesitation, he would.”

FIFA Relationship

The organization's head has publicly acknowledged his strategies to be closely connected with the former president before the upcoming World Cup, scheduled to be hosted in 11 cities across the America along with several in the northern neighbor and a few in Mexico. The organization's leader has appeared at various presidential functions, had Trump hand over the Club World Cup cup after the championship match, and has even rescheduled his FIFA's internal meeting to accompany Trump on a journey to the Arab region earlier in 2025.

Earlier Warnings

Nevertheless, Trump from threatening the removal of World Cup matches from different locations. In late September, the Washington city and the Bay Area metropolis were comparable comments, with Trump asserting both cities were “governed by far-left extremists who lack understanding what they're managing,” while challenging the safety level of both locales and claiming that games could be relocated.

FIFA Response

FIFA vice-president Montagliani rebuffed Trump’s assertions when he responded days later at a conference in London.

“This is our competition, under our authority, FIFA makes those decisions,” he declared. “With all due respect to current world leaders, the sport is more important than them and the game will endure their regime and their government. That’s the essence of our game, that it is more significant than any individual and beyond any country.”

LA Games Warning

On Tuesday, Trump’s answer to a inquiry about Boston included a similar threat regarding the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“When I believed LA was failing to be sufficiently organized, I'd relocate it to a different city if necessary,” he said. “On that one I may have to secure a alternative permission, but we'd proceed.”

Official consent Trump refers to would have to come through the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The leader, she, was elected to her role in spring and has not yet hold a public appearance with Trump, but she indicated that she would like a sit-down with Trump at eventually.

Additional Criticism

The former president also condemned California governor Newsom’s management of the blazes, stating that a parallel incident could cause the relocation of the Olympics.

“If Newsom is uncooperative, we’re gonna have to be firm,” Trump stated.

His message was just as unambiguous for Boston.

“Boston should address these issues,” Trump stated. “That’s all I can say.”