Boston's Leader Mayor Wu Addresses Trump's Threat to Relocate World Cup Matches from City
Boston's mayor, Michelle Wu, suggested that the municipality was prepared for a face-off with US President Donald Trump concerning his assertion that he could order FIFA to remove World Cup games from Gillette Stadium, located 22 miles south-west of Boston.
Mayor Wu spoke on a Boston-based podcast recently to respond to criticism from the White House, which had labeled her as "far-left." Trump had warned that he would call the head of FIFA if Boston did not "clean up its act."
A great deal of it is secured by agreement so that no one, even the president, can change it.
Wu continued, "We live in a time where for drama, for control, for pushing the boundaries ... repeated warnings ... are directed at individuals and communities who refuse to back down and comply or follow along to a divisive plan."
Mayor Wu further stated, "We are going to continue being who we are, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be in a conversation that is challenging Boston's values." Wu concluded by emphasizing her support for the city, saying, "Ten toes down for Boston."
The President's Statements and FIFA Involvement
Recently, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was seen alongside Trump at the international summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. Infantino has also visited the Oval Office and presented World Cup tournament and club championship awards to Trump as gifts.
On Tuesday, President Trump was asked about unrest in a Boston neighborhood that included a police vehicle being set on fire. He replied, "If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Infantino – the head of the organization, who's great."
Trump continued, "I would say: 'Let's move into another location' and they would comply. He might not prefer it. But he would do it very easily." The president also specifically targeted Wu, stating, "Boston's mayor is not good ... she's radical left, and they're taking over some areas in Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"
Past Threats and Upcoming Tournament Information
Trump has previously suggested that he would have the similar discussion with Infantino about relocating matches from Seattle and San Francisco, which are part of the 16 host cities across the continent.
The US is joint hosts the 2026 World Cup with neighboring countries. The 48-team event is planned to be held from June 11 to 19 July next summer.
