Donald Trump threatens to rip up World Cup schedule and strip US cities of hosting rights
Donald Trump's threat is sure to alarm FIFA
Donald Trump has suggested he would be willing to strip cities of their World Cup hosting rights on safety grounds ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
The US president made the claims from the Oval Office when asked about security around the soccer showpiece that will be staged by the US, in conjunction with Canada and Mexico.
Eleven cities in the US – Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle – are currently listed as hosts with the country due to stage 78 of the 104 games, as well as the final.
We’ll move it – Trump
“It will be safe for the World Cup,” Trump said. “If I think it isn’t safe, we’ll move it into a different city.
“If any city we think is going to be even a little bit dangerous for the World Cup, or for the (2028) Olympics, you know where they have Olympic overthrow right, but for the World Cup in particular, because they’re playing in so many cities, we won’t allow it. We’ll move it around a little bit. But I hope that’s not going to happen.”
There is, of course, a political motivation behind Trump’s words. When asked about Seattle and San Francisco, two cities run by the Democrats that have pushed back on the administration’s immigration policies, Trump said: “Well, that’s an interesting question, but we’re going to make sure they’re safe. They’re run by radical left lunatics who don’t know what they’re doing.”
Trump creating potential headache for Infantino and FIFA
It is not clear what authority Trump has to alter the World Cup schedule, but it could become a major complication for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has made much of their close personal bond.
Trump has made tackling crime a cornerstone of his presidency, as well as policies to reduce immigration.
He ordered National Guard troops into Washington last month due to a supposed ‘crime emergency’ and has plans to do the same in Memphis and Chicago.
The World Cup starts on June 11 next year and the 48-team event runs until July 19.