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  "path": "/sport/football/england-scotland-world-cup-row-gillette-stadium",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-14T20:28:35.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "England fans banned from Croatia clash after two-game punishment as official statement released",
    "Thomas Tuchel makes feelings clear on his England predecessor following new deal",
    "Thomas Tuchel signing new contract is a hammer blow for England superstar",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nA bitter financial standoff between Fifa and local authorities in Foxborough is jeopardising World Cup group fixtures at Gillette Stadium.\n\nMunicipal leaders are refusing to issue the entertainment licence required for matches at the 66,000-seat venue until football's governing body agrees to pay £6m towards policing, safety and infrastructure expenses.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe hosting agreement requires cities to cover these costs, though federal borrowing options are available.\n\nFoxborough officials have made clear they will not budge from their position, creating a significant headache for organisers with the tournament fast approaching.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSeven matches are scheduled for the Massachusetts stadium, located approximately 22 miles southwest of Boston.\n\nThese include crucial fixtures for both home nations.\n\nScotland face Haiti and Morocco in their opening two group encounters at the venue.\n\nEngland are due to meet Ghana there on June 23.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe dispute could force Fifa to make a last-minute venue change if negotiations fail to reach an agreement.\n\nIt had been widely expected that the Kraft family, owners of NFL franchise the New England Patriots who call Gillette Stadium home, would underwrite the associated costs, but they have declined to do so.\n\nThe Kraft family maintain that the stadium falls under Fifas jurisdiction for the duration of the competition.\n\nThe governing body will assume control of preparations from next month, including laying a new grass surface to replace the existing artificial pitch.\n\n### LATEST SPORT NEWS\n\n\n\n\n  * England fans banned from Croatia clash after two-game punishment as official statement released\n  * Thomas Tuchel makes feelings clear on his England predecessor following new deal\n  * Thomas Tuchel signing new contract is a hammer blow for England superstar\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHowever, the Foxborough Select Board remains unmoved by such arguments.\n\nBoard head Bill Yukna said: \"The town is going to stand behind the request of the money for both manpower and some capital and expense items.\n\n\"And if they aren't met, then as this board has discussed in the past, the license won't be granted.\n\n\"We are going to be very clear with that.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThis latest dispute adds to a pattern of difficulties surrounding the Boston area's involvement in the tournament.\n\nUS President Donald Trump publicly questioned the city's right to host matches last year following a disagreement with Boston's Democrat mayor, though that matter appeared resolved when venues were confirmed after December's draw.\n\nTensions are also evident elsewhere, with several host cities scaling back their commitments to tournament fan zones.\n\nFifa had announced that supporter gathering areas would operate throughout the competition, yet Boston officials have indicated their fan fest outside City Hall Plaza would be open for a maximum of 16 days rather than the full duration.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards:The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "England and Scotland World Cup games under threat as £6m row erupts over 66,000-capacity stadium"
}