Boston Mayor Mayor Wu Counters Trump's Warning to Move World Cup Matches from City
The mayor of Boston, Mayor Wu, implied that the municipality was prepared for a confrontation with US President Donald Trump regarding his assertion that he could instruct FIFA to remove World Cup tournament matches from the stadium in Foxborough, situated 22 miles southwest of Boston.
Wu spoke on a Boston-based podcast recently to answer 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 "address its issues."
Much of it is locked down by agreement so that no one, even if they live in the White House, can reverse it.
Wu continued, "We're in a world where for drama, for control, to test limits ... ongoing threats ... are directed at individuals and communities who refuse to back down and submit or be obedient 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 part of a discussion that is challenging Boston's values." Wu finished by emphasizing her support for the city, saying, "Ten toes down for our city."
The President's Comments and FIFA's Involvement
Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was photographed with Trump at the international summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. The FIFA president has also visited the White House and presented World Cup tournament and Club World Cup awards to the president as gifts.
Earlier, Trump was asked about recent disturbances in South Boston that included a police car being set on fire. Trump replied, "If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there's danger, I would call Gianni – the president of FIFA, who's great."
Trump added, "I'd tell him: 'We should relocate the games' and they would comply. He wouldn't love to do it. But he would do it without hesitation." The president also specifically targeted Mayor Wu, stating, "Boston's mayor is ineffective ... she's far-left, and they're dominating some areas in Boston. That's a strong claim, right?"
Past Warnings and Upcoming Tournament Details
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 host cities across North America.
The US is joint hosts the 2026 World Cup with neighboring countries. The 48-team event is planned to be played from June 11 to July 19 next summer.
