FIFA World Cup chaos in Foxborough as town refuses license without $8 million security promise from Robert Kraft

The clock is ticking with the World Cup just over 100 days away, but in Foxborough, Massachusetts, growing tension surrounds Robert Kraft and his stadium.The small town of 18,000 people has refused to approve a license for World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium unless someone agrees to cover an 8 million dollar security bill. The stadium, home of the New England Patriots, is set to host seven matches starting June 13, including knockout games. But town leaders say they cannot risk bankruptcy to make it happen.

The issue is simple. Under Fifa’s agreement, host cities must pay for police, public safety, and security. In the NFL season, the Kraft Group handles those costs. For the World Cup, the stadium is leased to Fifa, and the financial responsibility shifts. The five member Foxborough select board has set a March 17 deadline to approve the license. Without financial guarantees, they say the doors could stay closed.

Foxborough select board vice chairman Bill Yunka and local business owner Terri Lawton speak out on Robert Kraft and World Cup costs

Vice Chairman Bill Yunka told local outlet WCVB that hosting the World Cup would be like staging “an NFL game on steroids” and equal to “39 Super Bowls.” Fifa requires stadium security for all 39 days of the tournament, not just match days. That pushes costs even higher.

Terri Lawton, who owns Oake Knoll family farm near the stadium, told The U.S. Sun that the town is scared of being left with the bill.

“I think the select board is doing a great job trying to protect residents,” she said.

“We’re a very small town. We don’t have 8 million dollars to front and even if we did, we shouldn’t.”

She added that spreading the cost across 18,000 residents would hurt basic services.

“We wouldn’t be able to pay teachers, police, or firefighters. This isn’t emotional. It’s business.”

Lawton believes Robert Kraft, whose wealth is estimated above 13 billion dollars, should step in.

“If they want this to happen, the Kraft Group can simply write a check,” she said.

Boston was allocated 46 million dollars from a federal funding plan, but delays and a federal shutdown have slowed payments through FEMA. Yunka said the Kraft Group is willing to front money equal to the expected grant, but that still leaves a gap of several million dollars.

Under the current lease signed in 2000, Foxborough earns only 67 cents per ticket sold. Ticket prices have risen, but the town’s share has not changed.

Fifa keeps most revenue from tickets, broadcasting, sponsorships, and parking. Meanwhile, host cities cover security, transport, and protection for officials including Fifa president Gianni Infantino.

With the World Cup approaching, Foxborough leaders say they are not against soccer. They just cannot risk the town’s future.


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