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Donald Trump has once again announced he would urge FIFA to remove global soccer tournament games from a host city based on the local politics, with Massachusetts becoming the most recent targeted location to encounter such threats from the American leader. Furthermore, Trump suggested he would evaluate parallel steps against Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Games due to perceived security concerns.

Jurisdictional Limits and Informal Leverage

While Trump does not have direct legal authority to personally cancel either competition, he may exert influence the organizing committees in charge of each tournament to move host cities.

Background of Comments

These comments were made during a news conference with Argentina's leader Milei, who was present in the executive mansion following the revelation of a massive financial assistance for the Latin American economy. Toward the end of the event, a journalist asked Trump about a recent “street takeover” in the city where authorities were attacked and a police vehicle was burned. The journalist also asked if these incidents could result in the revocation of tournament responsibilities for the expanded World Cup.

“It's possible to take them away,” Trump stated concerning the FIFA World Cup matches, set to be held at Gillette Stadium. “The city's leader is ineffective … she is far-left, and they are taking over areas of the city. It's a significant assertion, isn't it?”

Urban Disturbances and Ideological Perceptions

Unauthorized gatherings, a online-fueled occurrence where groups of people congregate on urban roads during nighttime to engage in dangerous driving, have emerged as a repeated issue in metropolitan centers since the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. Latest such gatherings have escalated into violence in the region, notably in Boston. However, these occurrences are generally not seen as tied to any specific ideological group.

“When someone is performing poorly, and I feel there’s dangerous circumstances, I'd call the organization's president, who is excellent, and suggest it should be shifted to an alternate venue,” Trump stated during the event. “And he would do that. He might not prefer the action, but he would comply. Without hesitation, he'd comply.”

FIFA Relationship

The organization's head has been open his efforts to be visibly associated with the former president before next year’s tournament, scheduled to be staged in 11 cities across the America along with two in the northern neighbor and multiple in Mexico. The FIFA president has participated at multiple Oval Office functions, facilitated Trump present the Club World Cup cup after the concluding game, and has even delayed his own organization’s congress to accompany Trump on a visit to the Arab region earlier in 2025.

Past Statements

This has not stopped, Trump from warning about the relocation of FIFA World Cup events from different locations. Recently, Seattle and the Bay Area metropolis were comparable comments, with Trump claiming both cities were “led by far-left extremists who are clueless what they're managing,” while questioning the safety level of both areas and implying that games could be shifted.

FIFA Response

Victor Montagliani dismissed Trump’s claims when he commented subsequently at a conference in England.

“It’s the organization's event, our responsibility, we decide these matters,” the vice-president declared. “Respectfully to national heads, football is bigger than any individual and football will endure their regime and their leadership. That’s the essence of this sport, that it is bigger than a single person and bigger than any country.”

Olympics Threat

On Tuesday, Trump’s response to a inquiry about the Massachusetts city extended to a similar threat regarding the LA Olympic event.

“In case I thought LA was not adequately ready, I will shift it to a different city if necessary,” he remarked. “Regarding that event I may have to obtain a varying approval, but we will do that.”

The permission Trump refers to would have to come via the IOC. The head, she, was chosen to her position in this year and has not yet meet publicly with the former president, but she stated that she would like a meeting with the US figure at a future time.

Other Remarks

He also criticized the state's leader Newsom’s response of recent California fires, stating that a parallel incident could lead to the removal of the Games.

“If Newsom is uncooperative, we will have to be very tough,” he stated.

The warning was just as clear for the Massachusetts city.

“The city better clean up their act,” he said. “That is I can say.”