World Cup games at risk after DHS delays in delivering federal grants
World Cup Games in Massachusetts Face Uncertainty Due to Delayed Federal Grants
Foxborough, Massachusetts, is bracing for potential financial strain as seven FIFA World Cup matches planned for the town remain under review. The delay in federal funding has raised concerns that local taxpayers might end up covering nearly $8 million in public safety expenses. The games are scheduled to occur at Gillette Stadium, one of 11 U.S. cities hosting the tournament this summer. However, the town’s Select Board has hesitated to approve necessary licenses, citing uncertainty over financial support.
Last year’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” budget had earmarked over $600 million in federal grants to aid cities hosting the World Cup. These funds were intended to be disbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by January 30. Yet, the cities have not yet received the money. FEMA noted that its funding lapsed last month, pushing grant awards to the final stages. The agency’s statement to NBC News revealed that its grants management system is non-operational, with much of its staff on furlough. Only limited personnel remain to handle restricted tasks, significantly reducing overall processing capacity.
Host Committee Assures Select Board of Financial Backing
At a recent meeting, representatives from Boston 26, the host committee for Foxborough, attempted to alleviate fears. Gary Ronan, the committee’s attorney, addressed concerns about the funding source, stating,
“The thing that rings loud and clear is that you all wanted an answer to a very simple question, which is where is the money coming from. Who is going to make sure that the town is not left holding the bag?”
Despite this reassurance, some board members remain cautious, noting that the town has already surpassed the timeline for acquiring essential equipment for the public safety plan.
Bill Yukna, the Select Board chair, emphasized the challenges of installing and training for security operations.
“For us to do what the [Foxborough police and fire] chiefs need takes time first of all for installation, for programming, for training. It takes time to get the materials.”
The board will decide on license approval during a public hearing on March 17, with Vice Chair Stephanie A. McGowan stating that a vote against the license may be necessary if the funding issue persists. “We have two weeks’ time, and if we come in on the 17th and we don’t have the right information, we’ll have no choice but to vote no,” she added.
Other Host Cities Also Struggle with Funding Delays
Foxborough is not alone in its concerns. In Kansas City, Missouri, Deputy Police Chief Joseph Mabin testified about resource shortages.
“We just don’t have enough officers within my own department to cover all the threats,”
he said, highlighting the police force’s inability to manage security threats without additional support. Kansas City’s host committee did not respond to requests for comment. Meanwhile, Miami’s host committee, led by Chief Operating Officer Raymond Martinez, stressed the urgency of the $70 million promised.
“I know that the local agencies are very anxious. But without receiving this money, it could be catastrophic for our planning and coordination,”
Martinez warned.
Miami’s committee directed NBC News to a statement asserting confidence in timely federal resource allocation. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering a safe, seamless, and memorable experience that showcases Miami-Dade County on the world stage,” it said. The Department of Homeland Security, however, has not clarified why the grants were not finalized by the Jan. 30 deadline, two weeks prior to the funding lapse. Democrats have raised questions about the delays, underscoring the need for swift action to ensure the World Cup’s success across host cities.
