England and Scotland's World Cup fixtures in the United States could be disrupted due to a dispute over a £6 million security funding bill. The matches are scheduled to take place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, but local officials have refused to grant an entertainment licence unless the payment is resolved within 11 days.
Thomas Tuchel's England side are set to face Ghana on June 23, while Scotland play Haiti on June 13 and Morocco on June 19 at the 65,000-seater venue. However, Foxborough town chiefs are locked in a row with FIFA and the US government over the unpaid sum, which is intended for security costs.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has expressed confidence the tournament will proceed as planned, but acknowledged the funding delay. 'It would be a lot easier if the federal government provided the funding they were supposed to provide,' she said. 'That hasn't happened yet.'
Foxborough Select Board Chair Bill Yukna has set a strict March 17 deadline for the payment. 'It's not acceptable for us,' he stated. 'The balance will be due just before the 17th meeting for us to successfully say we can accomplish the goals that the public safety plan calls for.'
Foxborough Police Chief Michael Grace also voiced frustration, noting that essential equipment identified over 18 months of planning has not been funded. 'Waiting until June 1 is unacceptable,' he said. The stadium is due to host seven matches across the 39-day tournament, and failure to secure the licence could force a last-minute change of venue.
