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Former President Trump has repeatedly announced he would pressure FIFA to remove upcoming World Cup games from a venue based on the local governance, with Boston emerging as the third such city to receive such statements from the American leader. Additionally, Trump remarked he would evaluate comparable measures against Southern California for the 2028 Olympics due to perceived safety issues.

Legal Authority and Informal Leverage

Even though Trump holds no direct legal authority to personally cancel either tournament, he can exert influence the international organizations managing each tournament to change locations.

Background of Comments

His statements were made during a media briefing with Argentinian president Milei, who was at the executive mansion following the announcement of a massive bailout for the Argentine economy. Toward the close of the gathering, a journalist inquired Trump about a recent “street takeover” in the city where authorities were attacked and a patrol car was ignited. The journalist also asked if these incidents could lead to the revocation of tournament responsibilities for the larger World Cup.

“It's possible to take them away,” he remarked about the FIFA World Cup games, set to be held at Gillette Stadium. “Their mayor is not good … she is extremist, and they are dominating sections of Boston. That is a major assertion, don't you think?”

Urban Disturbances and Ideological Perceptions

Street takeovers, a online-fueled trend where large crowds assemble on city streets during nighttime to conduct vehicular acrobatics, have been a ongoing problem in metropolitan centers since the coronavirus closures. Recent similar events have become aggressive in the region, notably in Boston. Yet, these gatherings are usually not seen as linked to any distinct ideological group.

“When a city is failing, and I perceive exist unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni [Infantino], who is outstanding, and suggest let’s move it to another location,” the former president stated publicly. “And he would do that. He might not prefer doing it, but he would comply. Without hesitation, he'd comply.”

FIFA Relationship

FIFA President has made no secret his efforts to be visibly associated with the former president prior to next year’s tournament, planned to be staged in 11 cities across the America along with a couple in the northern neighbor and multiple in Mexico. The FIFA president has been present at various Oval Office functions, had Trump present the FIFA club cup after the championship match, and has even postponed his the group's assembly to accompany Trump on a journey to the Middle East this year.

Earlier Warnings

This has not stopped, Trump from threatening the cancellation of soccer games from other US host cities. Recently, the Washington city and San Francisco were comparable comments, with Trump claiming both locations were “run by radical left lunatics who are clueless what they’re doing,” while challenging the public safety of both locales and suggesting that events could be shifted.

Official Rebuttal

The organization's deputy Montagliani rebuffed Trump’s claims when he reacted afterward at a gathering in England.

“It is our competition, FIFA’s jurisdiction, the organization determines these matters,” the vice-president said. “Politely to current world leaders, soccer is more important than any individual and football will survive their tenure and their leadership. That’s the essence of this sport, that it is transcends one leader and beyond a nation.”

Olympics Threat

On Tuesday, Trump’s response to a query about Boston veered into a comparable warning regarding the LA Olympic event.

“If I perceived the city was not going to be sufficiently organized, I will move it to an alternate venue if necessary,” he said. “Regarding that event I might have to get a alternative approval, but we would do that.”

Any approval Trump refers to would must come via the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The head, the newly elected president, was chosen to her position in spring and has so far not meet publicly with Trump, although she said that she would like a discussion with him at some point.

Further Comments

He also criticized California governor Newsom’s handling of recent blazes, stating that a comparable scenario could cause the removal of the Olympics.

“If the governor is uncooperative, we’re gonna have to be strict,” the former president stated.

The warning was equally unambiguous for the Massachusetts city.

“The city must improve their situation,” he said. “That is my message.”