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Ex-president Trump has yet again declared he would urge FIFA to relocate global soccer tournament events from a host city based on that city's governance, with the Boston region becoming the latest urban area to encounter such warnings from the US president. Furthermore, Trump indicated he would contemplate comparable measures against Southern California for the 2028 Olympics due to potential safety issues.

Jurisdictional Limits and Possible Pressure

While Trump lacks formal power to personally cancel either competition, he is able to exert influence the international organizations managing each event to move venues.

Background of Comments

His statements were made during a media briefing with Javier Milei, who was at the presidential residence following the announcement of a massive bailout for the Argentine economy. Near the conclusion of the meeting, a journalist asked Trump about a latest unauthorized gathering in Boston where authorities were targeted and a cruiser was ignited. The journalist also asked if such events could result in the loss of hosting duties for the 48-team World Cup.

“It's possible to take them away,” Trump said regarding the FIFA World Cup matches, set to be staged at Gillette Stadium. “She is ineffective … they're far-left, and they are taking over sections of the city. That’s a major claim, isn't it?”

Public Gatherings and Ideological Perceptions

Unauthorized gatherings, a online-fueled occurrence where groups of people congregate on public avenues late at night to perform stunts, have been a ongoing problem in US urban areas since the lockdown closures. Latest such gatherings have escalated into violence in the region, specifically in Boston. However, these occurrences are usually not considered tied to any specific partisan agenda.

“If a mayor is failing, and I feel there’s dangerous circumstances, I'd call the organization's president, who is outstanding, and say we should relocate it to an alternate venue,” Trump commented publicly. “And he would do that. He may not enjoy the action, but he would comply. Without hesitation, he’d do it.”

FIFA Relationship

The organization's head has publicly acknowledged his efforts to be closely connected with the US leader before the upcoming World Cup, scheduled to be staged in multiple US locations across the United States along with several in the northern neighbor and three in Mexico. The organization's leader has been present at various Oval Office events, arranged for Trump deliver the FIFA club award after the concluding game, and has even rescheduled his own organization’s congress to accompany Trump on a journey to the Gulf states this year.

Previous Threats

Despite this, Trump from threatening the removal of soccer matches from other US host cities. In late September, the Washington city and San Francisco came under comparable statements, with Trump asserting both cities were “led by radical left lunatics who don’t know what they are doing,” while challenging the safety level of both areas and claiming that games could be relocated.

Organizational Statement

FIFA vice-president Montagliani dismissed Trump’s assertions when he reacted days later at a gathering in the UK capital.

“It is our competition, FIFA’s jurisdiction, the organization determines such choices,” the vice-president declared. “Politely to national heads, the sport is bigger than political figures and football will endure their tenure and their policies. That’s the essence of our game, that it is more significant than any individual and beyond any country.”

2028 Comments

During the event, Trump’s answer to a inquiry about the Massachusetts city extended to a parallel statement regarding the LA Olympic event.

“When I perceived LA was not prepared properly, I would move it to another location as needed,” Trump stated. “Regarding that event I’d probably have to secure a varying approval, but we will proceed.”

Any approval Trump alluded to would need to come via the IOC. The head, the newly elected president, was selected to her post in spring and has not yet appear together with him, although she said that she hopes for a meeting with the US figure at some point.

Other Remarks

Trump also condemned California governor Newsom’s response of the California fires, saying that a comparable scenario could cause the removal of the event.

“In case he doesn’t play ball, we’re gonna have to be strict,” Trump said.

His message was similarly unambiguous for the Massachusetts city.

“The city better improve their situation,” he said. “That’s all I can say.”