World Cup host cities threaten ‘to cancel’ fan festivals over $625m security funding delay | OneFootball

Several World Cup host cities warn they may scrap fan festivals because a promised $625 million security grant remains unpaid.

The funding was pledged in July by the Trump administration but is stuck amid a 10-day shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security. According to the Guardian, city representatives told a House hearing that delays are hampering preparations, with Democrats and Republicans split over ICE and the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis last month.

The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from 11 June to 19 July, will bring major fan zones and events that partly rely on federal support.

Officials from Miami, Kansas City and New Jersey, which will stage matches including the final, raised concerns. Congress has allocated $625 million to 11 host cities yet, with about four months left, they said none had received it. A major Liberty State Park fan event has already been dropped for smaller viewing parties.

Miami organising chief Raymond Martinez said deadlines are close and decisions must be taken within 30 days. Without the funds, the fan festival and other public events could be cut, though matches will proceed.

Kansas City deputy police chief Joseph Mabin said the funding is essential, with a deadline looming. The city will host six matches and plans an 18-day fan festival.

In Foxborough, $8 million remains unpaid. The town has threatened to pull the entertainment licence for Gillette Stadium matches, including those involving England and France.

Source: L'Équipe