England and Scotland World Cup games under threat as £6m row erupts over 66,000-capacity stadium
A bitter financial standoff between Fifa and local authorities in Foxborough is jeopardising World Cup group fixtures at Gillette Stadium.
Municipal leaders are refusing to issue the entertainment licence required for matches at the 66,000-seat venue until football’s governing body agrees to pay £6m towards policing, safety and infrastructure expenses.
The hosting agreement requires cities to cover these costs, though federal borrowing options are available.
Foxborough officials have made clear they will not budge from their position, creating a significant headache for organisers with the tournament fast approaching.
Seven matches are scheduled for the Massachusetts stadium, located approximately 22 miles southwest of Boston.
These include crucial fixtures for both home nations.
Scotland face Haiti and Morocco in their opening two group encounters at the venue.
England are due to meet Ghana there on June 23.
Foxborough Select Board remains unmoved by such arguments
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The dispute could force Fifa to make a last-minute venue change if negotiations fail to reach an agreement.
It had been widely expected that the Kraft family, owners of NFL franchise the New England Patriots who call Gillette Stadium home, would underwrite the associated costs, but they have declined to do so.
The Kraft family maintain that the stadium falls under Fifas jurisdiction for the duration of the competition.
The governing body will assume control of preparations from next month, including laying a new grass surface to replace the existing artificial pitch.
FIFA World Cup
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PAHowever, the Foxborough Select Board remains unmoved by such arguments.
Board head Bill Yukna said: “The town is going to stand behind the request of the money for both manpower and some capital and expense items.
“And if they aren’t met, then as this board has discussed in the past, the license won’t be granted.
“We are going to be very clear with that.”
The World Cup is the biggest competition in international football | PA
This latest dispute adds to a pattern of difficulties surrounding the Boston area’s involvement in the tournament.
US President Donald Trump publicly questioned the city’s right to host matches last year following a disagreement with Boston’s Democrat mayor, though that matter appeared resolved when venues were confirmed after December’s draw.
Tensions are also evident elsewhere, with several host cities scaling back their commitments to tournament fan zones.
Fifa had announced that supporter gathering areas would operate throughout the competition, yet Boston officials have indicated their fan fest outside City Hall Plaza would be open for a maximum of 16 days rather than the full duration.
