Concacaf Monitors Situation in Los Angeles Amid Protests
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) announced on Wednesday that it is in “constant and close communication” with local authorities due to the ongoing protests in Los Angeles. These demonstrations raise concerns ahead of the opening match of the Gold Cup at SoFi Stadium. The tournament will begin on Saturday with the match between Mexico and the Dominican Republic. However, tension persists in several areas of the city, following a series of immigration raids that triggered widespread protests. The safety and well-being of all participants, fans, and stakeholders is the Confederation’s top priority. Concacaf added that it will continue to closely monitor the situation, with the aim of organizing a world-class tournament that celebrates the best of the sport in a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment for all, starting with the opening match on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Los Angeles. Mexico made the decision on Tuesday to change its accommodation, moving from downtown Los Angeles to Long Beach, due to security concerns related to clashes between ICE and community protests in the city center. Los Angeles is also preparing to host matches of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, with the match between Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico de Madrid at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Sunday. When asked if the matches in Los Angeles and the travel ban imposed by the Trump administration or the ongoing ICE raids across the country would affect attendance at the Club World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino responded on Monday that he was not concerned.Infantino added that they want everyone who attends the matches to have a good time and that no one thinks they can cause problems, as this will not happen. He is sure that it will be a great celebration.No, I have no concerns in the sense that we are very attentive to any security issue, of course. The most important thing for us is to guarantee the safety of all the fans who come to the matches, and this is our priority and the priority of all the authorities who are here.
Gianni Infantino
