Donald Trump could have a World Cup problem as host cities urge fans not to stay away despite riots
US President Donald Trump is facing a problem ahead of next summer's World Cup as host cities urge fans not to stay away despite terrifying riots in the country relating to the POTUS and his immigrant policy.
Tensions have been rising across the US in recent weeks because of Trump's immigration crackdown, leading to clashes over the weekend in Los Angeles.
Just last week Trump introduced a travel ban against 12 countries, which included partial restrictions against seven more.
Although there are exemptions for coaches, staff and athletes travelling to the FIFA World Cup and other major sporting events, it prompted concern ahead of next summer's World Cup.
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Fears over America's readiness to host the upcoming Club World Cup and next summer's World Cup were exacerbated at the weekend after Trump sent National Guard troops and marines into Los Angeles.
But Philadelphia host city executive Meg Kane said they are still 'prepared to welcome whoever' for the World Cup, despite 'uncertainty' within the US.
Kane said: "One of the things that I think we all recognize is that we have to be really good at operating within that uncertainty.
"For each of our cities, we want to be prepared to make any person that makes the decision to come to the United States for this World Cup, feel that they are welcome.
“We do not play a role necessarily in what is happening in terms of the decisions that are made.
"What we can say is that the current administration — while there are certain situations that we are watching, that we are certainly monitoring closely — has been extremely supportive of the World Cup.”
What happened in the riots?
Last Friday, immigration officials, alongside armed FBI officers launched immigration raids at several sites throughout the Latino areas of Los Angeles.
In response, crowds gathered across the fashion area of the city.
And in one video which circulated on social media, a protestor can be seen trying to stop the arrests by standing in front of a car, whilst officers tear gassed the crowd.
Those scenes provoked clashes between protestors and federal officers in Los Angeles over the weekend.
After two nights of violence, Trump sent in 2000 National Guard officers in what he described as 'very strong law and order'.
And on Monday, the president ordered another 2000 National Guard troops and 700 marines into Los Angeles.
The moves have created legal chaos in the US, as California Governor Gavin Newsom announced he would take legal action against Trump.
He said: “The president is attempting to inflame passions and provoke a response.
“He would like nothing more than for this provocative show of force – and [Secretary of Defence] Pete Hegseth’s absurd threat to deploy United States Marines on American soil – to escalate tensions and incite violence.”
Topics: Donald Trump, FIFA Club World Cup, FIFA World Cup
James Taylor