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Trump Claims FIFA President Infantino Backs Potential World Cup Venue Shifts
Former President Donald Trump has asserted that FIFA President Gianni Infantino would readily support relocating World Cup matches from U.S. cities deemed inadequately prepared or secure. This claim, made during a political summit in Sharm El-Sheikh on Monday, follows earlier statements in september where Trump suggested matches could be moved from Democratically-led cities.
Trump’s Account of Discussions with Infantino
According to Trump, he has a direct line to Infantino and believes the FIFA President would swiftly accommodate requests to shift matches. ”If someone does a bad job and if I find it uncertain (in the city) I call Gianni,who bases over Fifa and who is phenomenal,and says that ‘let’s move the match’. And he will do that,” Trump stated. He further added, “He will do it very easily.”
Cities Potentially Affected
the cities specifically mentioned as potentially vulnerable to venue changes are Boston, San Francisco, and Seattle - all currently governed by Democratic administrations. Trump’s comments echo previous concerns regarding security and preparedness in these locations.
expanding Concerns to the 2028 Olympics
Trump extended his remarks beyond the 2026 World Cup,suggesting he could also consider moving competitions from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if he deems the city’s preparations insufficient. “If I think LA does not prepare in the best way, I can move it to other places,” he said.
Context: National Guard Deployments
Trump’s statements are set against a backdrop of previous actions taken during his presidency,including the deployment of National Guard troops to Democratically-controlled cities and states. These deployments were often justified by concerns over rising crime rates,as perceived by the Trump administration.
FIFA’s Previous Response
It’s worth noting that in September, following Trump’s initial comments about potentially moving World Cup matches, FIFA affirmed that decisions regarding World Cup venues rest with the organization itself, alongside the host nations of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
World Cup & Olympic Security: A Growing Trend?
The increasing focus on security and logistical preparedness for mega-events like the World Cup and the Olympics is a long-standing trend. Recent global events have heightened these concerns, leading to more stringent security protocols and contingency planning. The potential for political interference in event locations, while rare, is a recurring theme in international sports governance. The 2026 World Cup, being jointly hosted across three nations, presents unique logistical and security challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What did Trump say about the World Cup?
- Donald Trump stated that FIFA President Gianni Infantino would support moving World cup matches from U.S. cities he deems unprepared or insecure.
- Which cities did Trump specifically mention?
- Trump named Boston, San Francisco, and Seattle as cities potentially at risk of losing World Cup matches.
- what is FIFA’s stance on venue selection?
- FIFA previously stated that decisions regarding World Cup venues are made by the organization itself, in collaboration with the host nations.
- did Trump mention the Olympics?
- Yes, Trump also suggested he could consider moving competitions from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if he believes the city is not adequately prepared.
- What was the context of Trump’s remarks?
- Trump’s comments followed previous deployments of the National Guard to Democratically-controlled cities during his presidency, citing concerns
