WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – Pitches across North America hold the hopes and dreams of millions soccer fans across the world. But the pressure isn’t just on the players, it’s on the elected and local officials to make sure the games are safe and enjoyable. Securing soccer’s highest achievement starts with safety outside of the stadium and at FIFA “Fan Festivals” around the nation.
In March, President Donald Trump created a White House task force to make sure up to six million visiting fans in 11 host cities and fan festivals enjoy their time in the U.S. – regardless of their team’s outcome.
“When President Trump established the White House task force he set out with a clear mission,” Robert O’Leary of the U.S. Department of Commerce said. “To ensure the United States delivers a safe, welcoming and memorable World Cup.”
The government is spending $625 million dollars to sure up security before the games begin.
“Our counterterrorism, criminal, counterintelligence and espionage and cyber divisions are closely monitoring all available information to maintain awareness of threats from potential terrorists, cyber actors and anyone else seeking to engage in nefarious activity related to the world cup,” said Douglas Olson, an FBI Special Agent on the White House’s FIFA World Cup task force.
This is about protecting people first, and then profits. The World Cup is estimated to be worth about $17 billion to the American economy, according to the committee. Trump has made it clear since he took office, one of his goals is to display America in the best light at every opportunity.
“This is an important moment in our country’s history,” Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) said. “It is an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of our coordination at every level of government and across agencies, federal partners and state and local law enforcement.”
The United States headlines the first game in the U.S. on June 12, in Inglewood, Calif. against Paraguay.
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