Boston 2026 says Kraft Group backing World Cup funding

"Gary Ronan, an attorney for Goulston & Storrs representing the Boston 2026 host committee, told town officials the organization "is willing to pay for everything ... necessary to hold these events safely," and that it has a guarantee from the Kraft Group, which owns the stadium, to fund any shortfall. He added that the host committee would pay any costs within two business days of being invoiced."

"At the heart of the dispute is nearly $8 million the town says it needs to pay Foxborough police. The federal government has earmarked $625 million for the U.S.'s 11 host cities "to enhance security and preparedness," but the money is delayed by the partial government shutdown and it is unclear how much Foxborough will receive."

"In the meantime, town officials said they will not spend taxpayer money on a promise that Foxborough will be paid back. Instead, they want the organizers to guarantee the funds up front."

Foxborough town officials and Boston 2026 World Cup organizers disagreed over security funding for seven matches at Gillette Stadium. The host committee offered to pay approximately $8 million in security costs, with backing from the Kraft Group to cover any shortfalls, and promised payment within two business days of invoicing. However, town officials refused to spend taxpayer money without upfront guarantees, citing delayed federal funding of $625 million designated for U.S. host cities. The dispute centered on nearly $8 million needed for Foxborough police services. Legal representatives debated whether the town board had authority to require advance payment, with town counsel asserting broad discretion despite past practices. The board scheduled a vote on granting FIFA a stadium license for March 17, with the first match planned for June 13.

Read at ESPN.com