Boston 26 Says Kraft…

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — With just two weeks remaining before the licensing deadline, Boston World Cup organizers informed Foxborough officials that they are prepared to cover approximately $8 million in security expenses. However, tensions persisted during a town meeting on Tuesday night.

Gary Ronan, an attorney from Goulston & Storrs representing the Boston 2026 host committee, assured town officials that they are “ready to cover all necessary expenses to ensure safe event execution,” and mentioned that they have secured a financial guarantee from the Kraft Group, owners of Gillette Stadium, to cover any deficits.

He also emphasized that the host committee would settle any invoiced costs within two business days.

“If you don’t receive payment, you can terminate the license,” Ronan noted. “The next soccer match won’t happen.”

The board is expected to vote on whether to grant FIFA a license to utilize the stadium for seven World Cup matches at their upcoming meeting on March 17. Gillette Stadium is scheduled to host its inaugural match on June 13, featuring Scotland versus Haiti.

The core issue revolves around the nearly $8 million that the town claims is necessary for compensating Foxborough police. While the federal government has designated $625 million for the 11 U.S. host cities to enhance security and preparedness, the release of funds has been stalled due to a partial government shutdown, leaving the amount Foxborough will receive uncertain.

In the interim, town officials stated they are unwilling to use taxpayer money on a prospective reimbursement. They are requesting an upfront guarantee of funds from the organizers.

During a charged discussion, Goulston & Storrs attorney Peter Tamm pointed out that town officials had not previously demanded advance payments for prior events, arguing that their authority is constrained by law. Town officials responded by consulting their attorney, Lisa Mead, who asserted that the board possesses “broad discretion” and that “previous practices… do not influence or limit the board in any manner.”

One board member highlighted the unique nature of the arrangement with FIFA, noting that the town has traditionally dealt solely with the Kraft Group.

There was disagreement among attorneys and town officials regarding timelines for the delivery of security equipment. Ronan claimed the necessary equipment would be ready by June 1, to which town officials responded that this timeframe was too late.

“We have clearly communicated the required deadlines, and honestly, some of these dates have already passed,” said board chair Bill Yukna. “Waiting until June 1 is unacceptable.”

Ronan clarified that June 1 was intended as a deadline, not the commencement date for delivery.

Foxborough town manager Paige Duncan noted that the police and fire chiefs have collaborated with FIFA on the security plan for over a year.

At the meeting’s conclusion, Foxborough police chief Michael A. Grace reiterated the urgency of the situation.

“We’re just 99 days away, and the solution is straightforward: fund our needs, and we can resolve this issue immediately,” Grace stated.

After the meeting, Ronan and Tamm did not provide any further comments.

Boston 2026 CEO Mike Loynd expressed optimism about fulfilling the funding requirements, particularly with the Kraft Group’s support.

“What we have now is just a critical week or 10 days of work ahead of us,” he remarked.