Officials from Foxborough, a Boston suburb, announced that the town might cancel World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium unless they secure funding for security expenses. This includes a significant security cost of $7.8 million needed for hosting seven games during the tournament. While it was assumed that the Kraft Group, which owns Gillette Stadium, would cover these expenses, they clarified that they are only renting the venue to FIFA.
Background
The president of Boston’s World Cup host city committee, Michael Loynd, indicated that their organization is responsible for public safety costs, alongside federal aid of $625 million designated for similar expenses in U.S. host cities. Nonetheless, Foxborough officials stressed concerns about the timing of federal grants being a potential barrier to funding immediate security needs.
Bill Yukna, a member of the select board, stated that they cannot wait for reimbursement after paying essential security personnel and equipment, hence their insistence for immediate funding support. The town plans to withhold critical entertainment licenses if they do not get clarity on the funding issues by January 30, with the final license deadline set for March 17.
Expected Matches at Gillette Stadium
Gillette Stadium will host several group stage matches including:
- June 13: Haiti vs. Scotland (Group C)
- June 16: Intercontinental playoff path 2 winner vs. Norway (Group I)
- June 19: Scotland vs. Morocco (Group C)
- June 23: England vs. Ghana (Group L)
- June 26: Norway vs. France (Group I)
- June 29: Round of 32 match
- July 9: Quarterfinal match
“The money has to be here,” Yukna asserted, emphasizing the town’s small size of 18,000 residents and community protection concerns. Despite the challenges, Governor Healey expressed confidence that a resolution would be reached.
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