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Former President Trump has once again declared he would pressure FIFA to remove 2026 World Cup matches from a venue based on municipal governance, with the Boston region emerging as the latest urban area to receive such warnings from the US president. Additionally, Trump indicated he would consider parallel steps against Los Angeles for the upcoming Olympic Games due to perceived public safety risks.

Legal Authority and Informal Leverage

Even though Trump lacks direct legal authority to directly relocate either event, he may exert influence the international organizations overseeing each tournament to move host cities.

Background of Comments

These comments were made during a press event with Argentinian president Milei, who was visiting the White House following the disclosure of a multibillion-dollar financial assistance for the Argentine nation. Near the conclusion of the event, a journalist inquired Trump about a current public disturbance in Boston where police officers were attacked and a cruiser was set on fire. The correspondent also questioned if such events could result in the removal of organizing rights for the 48-team soccer tournament.

“It's possible to take them away,” the former president stated about the World Cup matches, scheduled to be hosted at Gillette Stadium. “Their mayor is not good … they're extremist, and they’re dominating parts of Boston. That is a pretty big claim, don't you think?”

Public Gatherings and Ideological Perceptions

Unauthorized gatherings, a digitally organized phenomenon where participants gather on city streets during nighttime to conduct vehicular acrobatics, have emerged as a frequent problem in US urban areas since the coronavirus shutdowns. Latest such gatherings have escalated into violence in Massachusetts, specifically in downtown. Yet, these occurrences are generally not regarded as linked to any particular political ideology.

“In cases where someone is failing, and I feel exist security risks, I would call Gianni [Infantino], who is excellent, and suggest it should be shifted to another location,” he said publicly. “He'd do that. He might not prefer the action, but he would comply. Without hesitation, he would.”

Political Connections

The organization's head has made no secret his attempts to be publicly aligned with Trump prior to the 2026 event, planned to be staged in 11 cities across the America along with several in Canada and multiple in the southern neighbor. The FIFA president has appeared at multiple presidential functions, had Trump present the FIFA club cup after the concluding game, and has even delayed his the group's assembly to accompany Trump on a trip to the Middle East previously.

Earlier Warnings

Despite this, Trump from threatening the relocation of soccer events from additional American venues. Recently, Seattle and the Bay Area metropolis faced parallel criticism, with Trump asserting both cities were “run by radical left lunatics who lack understanding what they are doing,” while questioning the safety level of both areas and suggesting that events could be shifted.

Official Rebuttal

Victor Montagliani rebuffed Trump’s assertions when he reacted afterward at a gathering in England.

“This is the organization's event, FIFA’s jurisdiction, we decide such choices,” Montagliani said. “Respectfully to sitting presidents, the sport is bigger than political figures and soccer will outlast their administration and their government. That is the strength of football, that it is more significant than one leader and more important than a nation.”

Olympics Threat

On Tuesday, Trump’s answer to a question about the Massachusetts city included a parallel statement regarding the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“If I thought Los Angeles was failing to be adequately ready, I would shift it to another location if necessary,” he said. “Regarding that event I may have to secure a different kind of permission, but we'd take that action.”

Any approval Trump refers to would must come through the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Their president, Kirsty Coventry, was selected to her position in this year and has yet to hold a public appearance with Trump, though she indicated that she hopes for a discussion with Trump at eventually.

Other Remarks

Trump also condemned the state's leader Newsom’s response of recent 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 very tough,” he commented.

The warning was just as direct for Boston.

“The city better clean up their act,” he remarked. “That’s all I can say.”