Boston Mayor Mayor Wu Responds to President Trump's Threat to Move FIFA World Cup Games from Boston
Boston's mayor, Mayor Wu, suggested that the city was prepared for a dispute with US President Donald Trump over his claim that he could order FIFA to relocate World Cup tournament games from Gillette Stadium, situated 22 miles south-west of the city.
Wu spoke on a local podcast this week to respond to comments from the Trump administration, which had described her as "far-left." Trump had threatened that he would call the head of FIFA if Boston did not "clean up its act."
A great deal of it is locked down by agreement so that no one, even the president, can reverse it.
Wu added, "We live in a time where for drama, for power, for pushing the boundaries ... ongoing threats ... are issued at people and cities who refuse to back down and comply or follow along to a divisive plan."
Mayor Wu also remarked, "We are going to continue being ourselves, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be part of a discussion that is targeting Boston's values." She finished by emphasizing her commitment for the Boston, declaring, "Fully committed for Boston."
The President's Comments and FIFA Role
Earlier this week, Infantino was seen alongside President Trump at the international summit in Egypt. The FIFA president has also visited the White House and presented World Cup and club championship awards to Trump as gifts.
On Tuesday, President Trump was asked about unrest in South Boston that involved a police vehicle being set on fire. He replied, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's danger, I would call Infantino – the head of the organization, who's great."
He continued, "I'd tell him: 'Let's move into another location' and they would comply. He might not prefer it. But he would do it without hesitation." Trump also directly criticized Mayor Wu, stating, "Their mayor is ineffective ... she's radical left, and they're taking over parts of Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"
Previous Threats and Upcoming Tournament Information
Trump has previously suggested that he would have the same conversation with Infantino about relocating matches from other host cities, which are among the 16 host cities across North America.
The US is co-hosting the 2026 tournament with neighboring countries. The expanded tournament is scheduled to be played from 11 June to July 19 in the coming year.