Boston Mayor Mayor Wu Counters President Trump's Threat to Move FIFA World Cup Games from Boston
The mayor of Boston, Mayor Wu, suggested that the city was ready for a dispute with US President Donald Trump over his assertion that he could instruct FIFA to remove World Cup tournament matches from Gillette Stadium, situated 22 miles south-west of Boston.
Mayor Wu spoke on a Boston-based podcast recently to answer comments from the Trump administration, which had described her as "radical left." President Trump had threatened that he would call FIFA President Gianni Infantino if Boston did not "clean up its act."
A great deal of it is secured by agreement so that no single person, even if they live in the White House, can undo it.
Wu continued, "We're in a world where for drama, for power, for pushing the boundaries ... ongoing threats ... are directed at people and cities who stand their ground and submit or follow along to a divisive plan."
Mayor Wu further stated, "We will keep being who we are, and that means, unfortunately, we are going to be part of a discussion that is targeting Boston's values." She concluded by stressing her commitment for the city, declaring, "Ten toes down for our city."
Trump's Comments and FIFA Involvement
Earlier this week, Infantino was photographed alongside President Trump at the international summit in Egypt. Infantino has also visited the Oval Office and presented World Cup and Club World Cup awards to Trump as presents.
On Tuesday, President Trump was questioned on unrest in South Boston that involved a police car being set on fire. He responded, "If things aren't handled well, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni – the president of FIFA, who's phenomenal."
Trump continued, "I'd tell him: 'We should relocate the games' and they would comply. He might not prefer it. But he would do it without hesitation." The president also specifically targeted Mayor Wu, stating, "Their mayor is ineffective ... she's far-left, and they're taking over parts of Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"
Previous Threats and Upcoming Tournament Details
Trump has made previous comments that he would have the similar discussion with the FIFA president about relocating games from other host cities, 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 scheduled to be held from 11 June to 19 July next summer.
