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Ex-president Trump has yet again announced he would pressure FIFA to remove global soccer tournament events from a host city based on that city's political climate, with Boston emerging as the third such city to encounter such warnings from the US president. Additionally, Trump indicated he would evaluate parallel steps against LA for the 2028 Olympics due to perceived security concerns.

Jurisdictional Limits and Informal Leverage

Although Trump lacks direct legal authority to unilaterally remove either competition, he may lobby the organizing committees managing each tournament to shift locations.

Context of Remarks

The statements were made during a press event with Argentina's leader Milei, who was present in the White House following the revelation of a $20 billion bailout for the South American economy. Toward the conclusion of the meeting, a media member asked Trump about a latest unauthorized gathering in Boston where law enforcement were attacked and a police vehicle was set on fire. The reporter also wondered if such events could result in the removal of organizing rights for the larger soccer tournament.

“I would take them away,” Trump said regarding the soccer matches, scheduled to be staged at the Massachusetts arena. “Their mayor is ineffective … she’s extremist, and they are dominating parts of downtown. It's a significant claim, right?”

Urban Disturbances and Public Safety Concerns

Unauthorized gatherings, a social media-driven phenomenon where participants congregate on city streets after dark to perform stunts, have been a frequent nuisance in metropolitan centers since the coronavirus closures. Recent such gatherings have become aggressive in the state, notably in the city. Nevertheless, these gatherings are generally not seen as associated with any specific partisan agenda.

“If a mayor is performing poorly, and I perceive there are security risks, I'd call the FIFA head, who is phenomenal, and tell him it should be shifted to another location,” he stated during the event. “He will do that. He might not prefer to do it, but he would comply. Without hesitation, he’d do it.”

FIFA Relationship

FIFA President has publicly acknowledged his efforts to be closely connected with the former president before next year’s tournament, set to be hosted in multiple US locations across the US along with two in Canada and three in the southern neighbor. The FIFA president has participated at several White House events, arranged for Trump present the club tournament cup after that tournament’s final, and has even rescheduled his own organization’s congress to join Trump on a visit to the Middle East this year.

Earlier Warnings

Despite this, Trump from warning about the cancellation of World Cup matches from different locations. Recently, the Washington city and San Francisco came under comparable criticism, with Trump stating both urban centers were “led by ideological activists who are clueless what they are doing,” while questioning the safety level of both locales and implying that games could be removed.

Official Rebuttal

Victor Montagliani dismissed Trump’s assertions when he reacted afterward at a gathering in the UK capital.

“It is the organization's event, under our authority, we decide these matters,” the vice-president stated. “Politely to sitting presidents, the sport is bigger than political figures and football will endure their tenure and their government. That is the essence of our game, that it is transcends one leader and bigger than a nation.”

2028 Comments

On Tuesday, Trump’s response to a inquiry about Boston veered into a parallel statement regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“When I believed the city was not adequately ready, I will shift it to an alternate venue if necessary,” he said. “For the Olympics I’d probably have to secure a varying permission, but we will do that.”

Any approval Trump alluded to would need to come through the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Their leader, the newly elected president, was chosen to her position in March and has so far not hold a public appearance with Trump, though she said that she would like a sit-down with the US figure at some point.

Additional Criticism

He also questioned Gavin Newsom’s management of the California fires, saying that a similar situation could cause the relocation of the Olympics.

“In case he refuses to cooperate, we are going to have to be firm,” Trump said.

His statement was similarly direct for the Massachusetts city.

“Boston must improve their situation,” Trump stated. “It's my message.”