Boston Mayor Mayor Wu Counters Trump's Warning to Move World Cup Matches from Boston
The mayor of Boston, Mayor Wu, indicated that the city was prepared for a face-off with President Donald Trump regarding his claim that he could order FIFA to relocate World Cup tournament matches from Gillette Stadium, located 22 miles south-west of Boston.
Mayor Wu spoke on a local podcast recently to respond to criticism from the White House, which had labeled her as "far-left." President Trump had warned that he would call the head of FIFA if Boston did not "address its issues."
A great deal of it is secured by contract so that no one, even if they live in the White House, can reverse it.
Wu added, "We're in a world where for drama, for power, to test limits ... repeated warnings ... are directed at individuals and communities who refuse to back down and submit or follow along to a divisive plan."
She also remarked, "We will keep being who we are, and that means, sadly, we are going to be part of a discussion that is targeting what Boston stands for." Wu concluded by stressing her support for the city, declaring, "Fully committed for Boston."
The President's Statements and FIFA's Role
Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was seen alongside Trump at the international summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. Infantino has also been to the Oval Office and given World Cup tournament and club championship trophies to the president as presents.
On Tuesday, Trump was asked about unrest in a Boston neighborhood that included a police car being burned. He replied, "If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there's danger, I would call Gianni – the president of the organization, who's phenomenal."
He added, "I'd tell him: 'Let's move into another location' and they would comply. He wouldn't love to do it. But he would do it without hesitation." The president also directly criticized Wu, stating, "Their mayor is ineffective ... she's radical left, and they're dominating some areas in Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?"
Past Warnings and Upcoming Tournament Information
President Trump has made previous comments that he would take the similar discussion with the FIFA president about moving games from other host cities, which are among the 16 locations across the continent.
The United States is joint hosts the 2026 tournament with Mexico and Canada. The expanded tournament is planned to be held from June 11 to July 19 next summer.