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Ex-president Trump has yet again declared he would influence FIFA to relocate upcoming World Cup matches from a host city based on that city's governance, with Massachusetts becoming the latest targeted location to receive such warnings from the American leader. Moreover, Trump indicated he would consider parallel steps against Southern California for the 2028 Olympics due to potential public safety risks.

Jurisdictional Limits and Possible Pressure

While Trump does not have direct legal authority to unilaterally remove either event, he is able to apply pressure the respective governing bodies in charge of each tournament to move venues.

Setting for Statements

His remarks were made during a media briefing with Argentina's leader Milei, who was visiting the executive mansion following the announcement of a $20 billion rescue package for the Argentine nation. Toward the conclusion of the gathering, a media member inquired Trump about a latest unauthorized gathering in the city where law enforcement were attacked and a patrol car was burned. The journalist also asked if the situation could cause the removal of tournament responsibilities for the larger World Cup.

“I would take them away,” the former president remarked about the FIFA World Cup matches, set to be staged at Gillette Stadium. “The city's leader is not good … they're extremist, and activists are dominating parts of Boston. It's a pretty big claim, isn't it?”

Urban Disturbances and Ideological Perceptions

Public disruptions, a social media-driven phenomenon where participants assemble on urban roads late at night to perform stunts, have emerged as a ongoing nuisance in metropolitan centers since the lockdown restrictions. Current incidents have turned violent in the region, specifically in Boston. Yet, these events are typically not seen as associated with any distinct political ideology.

“If a city is failing, and I feel there’s security risks, I would call Gianni [Infantino], who is excellent, and say let’s move it to an alternate venue,” he stated publicly. “And he would do that. He wouldn’t love doing it, but he'd agree. Very easily, he'd comply.”

Organizational Alignment

The organization's head has made no secret his efforts to be closely connected with the former president prior to next year’s tournament, scheduled to be hosted in numerous American venues across the US along with a couple in the northern neighbor and three in the southern neighbor. The FIFA president has been present at multiple presidential events, facilitated Trump deliver the FIFA club cup after that tournament’s final, and has even delayed his the group's assembly to travel with Trump on a journey to the Arab region earlier in 2025.

Past Statements

Despite this, Trump from suggesting the cancellation of soccer matches from other US host cities. On September 25, Seattle and the Bay Area metropolis faced parallel comments, with Trump stating both cities were “led by ideological activists who lack understanding what they are doing,” while challenging the security conditions of both locales and claiming that events could be removed.

Organizational Statement

The organization's deputy Montagliani rejected Trump’s assertions when he commented afterward at a event in London.

“It’s our competition, under our authority, the organization determines such choices,” the vice-president said. “Politely to current world leaders, football is transcends them and football will survive their regime and their policies. That is the strength of this sport, that it is bigger than one leader and bigger than a nation.”

Olympics Threat

On Tuesday, Trump’s reply to a query about the Massachusetts city veered into a similar threat regarding the LA Olympic event.

“If I thought LA was not prepared properly, I will relocate it to another location if I had to,” he remarked. “For the Olympics I might have to get a different kind of permission, but we will do that.”

The permission Trump alluded to would have to come through the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Their head, Kirsty Coventry, was chosen to her position in March and has yet to meet publicly with Trump, though she said that she desires a discussion with Trump at some point.

Further Comments

He also condemned Gavin Newsom’s management of this year’s California fires, remarking that a comparable scenario could result in the relocation of the event.

“If Newsom refuses to cooperate, we’re gonna have to be strict,” Trump commented.

His message was just as clear for the Massachusetts city.

“They better improve their situation,” he said. “It's my message.”