England and Scotland's World Cup fixtures could face disruption due to a £6 million unpaid bill at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Three Lions are scheduled to face Ghana on 23 June, while Scotland are set to play Haiti on 13 June and Morocco on 19 June at the 65,000-capacity venue.
Local authorities in Foxborough have refused to issue an entertainment licence, essential for hosting the matches, unless the outstanding sum for security provisions is resolved within 11 days. The dispute involves local officials, FIFA, and the US government over federal funding that was due to be distributed by 30 January.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed confidence that the World Cup will proceed, stating: 'The World Cup's going to happen - it is going to be in Massachusetts.' She noted that funding from the federal government is still awaited, adding: 'It'd be a lot easier if the federal government provided the funding that they were supposed to provide.'
Foxborough Select Board Chair Bill Yukna set a firm deadline of 17 March for the payment, saying: 'It's not acceptable for us. The balance of it will be due just before the 17th meeting for us to be able to successfully say we can accomplish the goals that the public safety plan calls for.'
Foxborough Police Chief Michael Grace criticised delays, stating: 'We are 99 or 100 days away from hosting the largest sporting event in the world, and we can't seem to find necessary funding for necessary equipment that's been identified in over a year and a half of planning.' Attorney Gary Ronan assured that grant money is allocated and in process, but local officials insist on earlier delivery.
