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Ex-president Trump has once again declared he would urge FIFA to relocate upcoming World Cup games from a designated city based on the local politics, with Boston emerging as the most recent targeted location to encounter such warnings from the American leader. Moreover, Trump suggested he would contemplate parallel steps against Los Angeles for the upcoming Olympic Games due to perceived security concerns.

Legal Authority and Informal Leverage

Although Trump lacks formal power to personally cancel either event, he can exert influence the international organizations managing each tournament to change locations.

Background of Comments

His statements were made during a press event with Argentina's leader Milei, who was at the White House following the disclosure of a multibillion-dollar rescue package for the South American economy. At the close of the meeting, a media member asked Trump about a latest unauthorized gathering in the city where law enforcement were attacked and a cruiser was burned. The correspondent also asked if such events could cause the removal of organizing rights for the larger World Cup.

“We could take them away,” he stated concerning the World Cup games, scheduled to be hosted at the Massachusetts arena. “The city's leader is ineffective … she’s radical left, and activists are taking over areas of downtown. That is a pretty big statement, right?”

Street Takeovers and Political Context

Public disruptions, a social media-driven trend where groups of people assemble on public avenues during nighttime to engage in dangerous driving, have become a frequent nuisance in metropolitan centers since the coronavirus restrictions. Current incidents have escalated into violence in Massachusetts, including Boston. However, these gatherings are generally not seen as linked to any distinct ideological group.

“If a mayor is failing, and I believe there are unsafe conditions, I would call the FIFA head, who is excellent, and say we should relocate it to another location,” he stated during the event. “And he would do that. He may not enjoy doing it, but he’d do it. Readily, he'd comply.”

Political Connections

The organization's head has made no secret his efforts to be publicly aligned with Trump before next year’s tournament, set to be staged in numerous American venues across the US along with a couple in Canada and a few in Mexico. The FIFA president has been present at several presidential gatherings, facilitated Trump deliver the club tournament trophy after the championship match, and has even postponed his FIFA's internal meeting to accompany Trump on a trip to the Gulf states earlier in 2025.

Previous Threats

Nevertheless, Trump from suggesting the removal of World Cup matches from other US host cities. On September 25, the Washington city and San Francisco were parallel comments, with Trump stating both locations were “governed by far-left extremists who are clueless what they're managing,” while criticizing the public safety of both cities and claiming that games could be relocated.

Organizational Statement

Victor Montagliani rejected Trump’s assertions when he responded subsequently at a gathering in the UK capital.

“It’s our competition, under our authority, the organization determines those decisions,” he declared. “With all due respect to sitting presidents, soccer is more important than them and football will survive their tenure and their leadership. That’s the beauty of football, that it is more significant than a single person and more important than individual states.”

2028 Comments

During the event, Trump’s reply to a question about the Massachusetts city extended to a similar threat regarding the LA Olympic event.

“When I thought Los Angeles was not going to be prepared properly, I'd shift it to a different city if necessary,” Trump stated. “Regarding that event I may have to get a varying consent, but we'd do that.”

The permission Trump refers to would need to come from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The head, Kirsty Coventry, was elected to her post in this year and has yet to hold a public appearance with him, though she said that she desires a sit-down with the US figure at eventually.

Other Remarks

The former president also criticized California governor Newsom’s management of the California fires, remarking that a similar situation could result in the relocation of the event.

“When the governor doesn’t play ball, we are going to have to be strict,” the former president stated.

The warning was equally direct for Boston.

“They should address these issues,” he said. “It's I can say.”