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Donald Trump has once again stated he would urge FIFA to pull global soccer tournament matches from a venue based on the local political climate, with Boston becoming the most recent targeted location to encounter such threats from the US president. Moreover, Trump suggested he would contemplate similar action against LA for the upcoming Olympic Games due to perceived safety issues.

Legal Authority and Informal Leverage

While Trump does not have direct legal authority to directly relocate either tournament, he is able to lobby the respective governing bodies managing each event to move venues.

Background of Comments

These comments were made during a media briefing with Argentinian president Milei, who was present in the presidential residence following the announcement of a multibillion-dollar rescue package for the South American nation. At the close of the meeting, a media member asked Trump about a recent unauthorized gathering in the city where law enforcement were targeted and a cruiser was ignited. The correspondent also wondered if these incidents could cause the revocation of organizing rights for the larger soccer tournament.

“It's possible to take them away,” he remarked about the FIFA World Cup matches, scheduled to be hosted at the Massachusetts arena. “She is poor … they're far-left, and activists are dominating parts of Boston. That is a significant assertion, don't you think?”

Urban Disturbances and Political Context

Unauthorized gatherings, a social media-driven trend where large crowds gather on city streets during nighttime to engage in dangerous driving, have become a ongoing nuisance in metropolitan centers since the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. Latest such gatherings have turned violent in the region, specifically in the city. However, these gatherings are generally not regarded as associated with any distinct political ideology.

“When a city is performing poorly, and I perceive there’s unsafe conditions, I would call the FIFA head, who is phenomenal, and tell him let’s move it to an alternate venue,” the former president stated on Tuesday. “He will do that. He may not enjoy doing it, but he’d do it. Very easily, he'd comply.”

FIFA Relationship

FIFA President has made no secret his efforts to be publicly aligned with Trump prior to next year’s tournament, set to be organized in 11 cities across the US along with a couple in Canada and a few in Mexico. The head has appeared at multiple presidential events, had Trump deliver the FIFA club trophy after that tournament’s final, and has even postponed his FIFA's internal meeting to join Trump on a journey to the Middle East this year.

Previous Threats

Despite this, Trump from threatening the cancellation of soccer matches from additional American venues. On September 25, Seattle and San Francisco faced comparable comments, with Trump asserting both urban centers were “led by radical left lunatics who don’t know what they're managing,” while criticizing the safety level of both cities and suggesting that events could be relocated.

Official Rebuttal

Victor Montagliani rejected Trump’s claims when he reacted afterward at a gathering in England.

“This is the organization's event, our responsibility, the organization determines these matters,” Montagliani said. “With all due respect to current world leaders, football is bigger than them and football will outlast their tenure and their policies. That is the essence of this sport, that it is bigger than any individual and more important than individual states.”

Olympics Threat

On Tuesday, Trump’s response to a inquiry about the Massachusetts city extended to a parallel statement regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“In case I perceived Los Angeles was not going to be adequately ready, I'd move it to another location as needed,” he remarked. “For the Olympics I may have to obtain a different kind of approval, but we'd do that.”

The permission Trump refers to would must come via the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The head, she, was selected to her post in March and has yet to meet publicly with Trump, but she indicated that she desires a meeting with Trump at a future time.

Further Comments

Trump also questioned the state's leader Newsom’s handling of recent California fires, saying that a parallel incident could lead to the cancellation of the event.

“When he is uncooperative, we will have to be very tough,” Trump said.

His statement was just as direct for Boston.

“They must improve their situation,” he remarked. “That is my message.”