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Donald Trump has repeatedly stated he would influence FIFA to relocate global soccer tournament matches from a designated city based on municipal political climate, with Boston emerging as the third urban area to receive such statements from the US president. Additionally, Trump suggested he would consider similar action against LA for the 2028 Summer Games due to perceived safety issues.

Legal Authority and Potential Influence

While Trump lacks direct legal authority to unilaterally remove either event, he can lobby the respective governing bodies managing each competition to change venues.

Background of Comments

These comments were made during a press event with Argentina's leader Milei, who was at the executive mansion following the revelation of a $20 billion bailout for the Latin American nation. At the conclusion of the gathering, a journalist inquired Trump about a recent “street takeover” in downtown Boston where authorities were assaulted and a cruiser was ignited. The reporter also asked if these incidents could result in the removal of tournament responsibilities for the 48-team World Cup.

“I would take them away,” the former president said about the FIFA World Cup games, set to be hosted at the Foxborough venue. “She is ineffective … they're extremist, and they are taking over sections of Boston. That’s a significant statement, right?”

Street Takeovers and Public Safety Concerns

Street takeovers, a social media-driven occurrence where participants assemble on public avenues after dark to engage in dangerous driving, have become a ongoing nuisance in US urban areas since the lockdown restrictions. Current such gatherings have turned violent in the state, including the city. Nevertheless, these occurrences are generally not considered tied to any particular ideological group.

“If a mayor is performing poorly, and I believe there’s dangerous circumstances, I would call Gianni [Infantino], who is phenomenal, and say let’s move it to another location,” he said publicly. “He will do that. He might not prefer the action, but he would comply. Readily, he’d do it.”

FIFA Relationship

FIFA President has made no secret his efforts to be publicly aligned with Trump before next year’s tournament, set to be organized in numerous American venues across the US along with two in Canada and three in Mexico. The organization's leader has participated at multiple White House functions, had Trump deliver the Club World Cup award after that tournament’s final, and has even delayed his own organization’s congress to travel with Trump on a journey to the Middle East earlier in 2025.

Earlier Warnings

Nevertheless, Trump from threatening the removal of World Cup matches from other US host cities. In late September, Seattle and San Francisco were comparable criticism, with Trump claiming both locations were “led by radical left lunatics who don’t know what they’re doing,” while challenging the safety level of both areas and claiming that games could be removed.

FIFA Response

FIFA vice-president Montagliani dismissed Trump’s assertions when he reacted afterward at a conference in London.

“It is the organization's event, FIFA’s jurisdiction, the organization determines such choices,” he said. “Politely to national heads, the sport is bigger than them and the game will outlast their administration and their leadership. That is the strength of football, that it is more significant than any individual and more important than any country.”

Olympics Threat

On Tuesday, Trump’s reply to a query about the Massachusetts city extended to a comparable warning regarding the LA Olympic event.

“If I believed Los Angeles was not going to be adequately ready, I'd move it to another location if I had to,” he said. “For the Olympics I might have to secure a alternative approval, but we'd do that.”

The permission Trump alluded to would have to come from the IOC. The president, she, was chosen to her post in March and has not yet meet publicly with him, although she stated that she would like a discussion with him at eventually.

Further Comments

He also criticized the state's leader Newsom’s response of the blazes, stating that a similar situation could lead to the relocation of the event.

“In case the governor doesn’t play ball, we’re gonna have to be firm,” he commented.

The warning was just as clear for the Massachusetts city.

“They better address these issues,” Trump stated. “That’s all my message.”