logo
CONCACAF monitoring situation in Los Angeles ahead of Gold Cup opener

CONCACAF monitoring situation in Los Angeles ahead of Gold Cup opener

Straits Timesa day ago

CONCACAF, soccer's governing body for North and Central America and the Caribbean, said on Wednesday it was in "close and ongoing communication" with local officials as protests in Los Angeles continue, raising concerns ahead of the Gold Cup's opening match at SoFi Stadium.
The tournament begins on Saturday with Mexico facing the Dominican Republic, but tensions remain high across parts of the city following a series of immigration raids that sparked widespread demonstrations.
"The safety and well-being of all participants, fans, and stakeholders is the Confederation's highest priority," CONCACAF said in a statement.
"We will continue to actively monitor developments as we work toward delivering a world-class tournament that highlights the best of our sport in a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for all, starting with the opening match on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Los Angeles."
Los Angeles is also preparing to host matches for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, with Paris St Germain taking on Atletico Madrid at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Sunday. REUTERS
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Miami World Cup officials play down travel concerns a year from kick-off
Miami World Cup officials play down travel concerns a year from kick-off

Straits Times

time17 minutes ago

  • Straits Times

Miami World Cup officials play down travel concerns a year from kick-off

As a gleaming clock began ticking towards the 2026 World Cup, Miami officials launched the city's one-year countdown seeking to allay fears that America's stricter immigration stance could deter the overseas fans that it hopes to attract. The celebratory unveiling on Wednesday, featuring singer Marc Anthony, came just days after unrest in Los Angeles and amid the implementation of stricter border controls under President Donald Trump's administration. "I don't think anybody has anything to be afraid of. Miami is an incredibly welcoming place, and we're very excited to welcome the world," Alina T. Hudak, president of the 2026 Miami Host Committee, said at the countdown event. The digital clock, soon to greet travellers at Miami International Airport, marks 365 days until the start of the biggest World Cup in history — 48 teams playing 104 matches across three North American nations. However, security arrangements have drawn particular scrutiny, especially regarding the involvement of immigration enforcement agencies. Rodney Barreto, co-chair of the Miami Host Committee, confirmed that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will be involved in security operations. "They will be there to support us with security, but not to capture people," he said. At Fiorito, an Argentine restaurant in Miami's Little Haiti neighbourhood, fans of the South American nation's defending champions expressed confidence that their countrymen would travel regardless of restrictions. "Wherever the World Cup is, it's great ... We're excited about being world champions and we can do much more," Argentina supporter Nicolas Lomazzi told Reuters. "What matters here is money, and they're going to make a lot with the World Cup, so they'll open the door for us all," added Emmanuel, an Argentina supporter hopeful of witnessing what could be captain Lionel Messi's final World Cup appearance. For Miami, a city shaped by successive waves of immigration, hosting the tournament represents a delicate balancing act — showcasing its multicultural identity while navigating an increasingly complex immigration landscape that threatens the smooth running of the biggest World Cup yet. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

Hamilton backs Vasseur, Briton in for the long haul at Ferrari
Hamilton backs Vasseur, Briton in for the long haul at Ferrari

Straits Times

time2 hours ago

  • Straits Times

Hamilton backs Vasseur, Briton in for the long haul at Ferrari

MONTREAL - Lewis Hamilton launched a passionate defence of Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur on Thursday and said that the Frenchman was key to his move to Maranello and his hopes for future Formula One success. Ferrari are second overall but have yet to win in nine races so far this season and there has been media speculation in Italy that Vasseur could be replaced, a suggestion the team has dismissed. "It's definitely not nice to hear that there are stories like that out there," seven-times world champion Hamilton said ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. "Firstly, I love working with Fred. Fred's the main reason I'm in this team and I got the opportunity to be here, which I'm forever grateful for. And we're in this together. "Things aren't perfect but for me, I'm here to work with the team but also with Fred. I want Fred here. I do believe Fred is the person to take us to the top." Hamilton said he did not think any change was on the cards, the speculation was "nonsense" and he would be against it anyway because it took time to embed new people and to adjust. "I'm here to win with Fred and he has my full support," he added. The Briton said he would also be racing for Ferrari for "several years", addressing separate speculation that he might be considering retirement. "I'm here for the long haul," he added. "There is no question where my head's at and what I'm working towards achieving for this team. So there's zero doubts." Ferrari have not won a championship since the 2008 constructors' title and Hamilton is seeking a record eighth after missing out controversially to Max Verstappen in the final race of 2021. He joined from Mercedes in January and has yet to stand on the podium in the red overalls, although he did win a sprint race in Shanghai in March -- a highlight of Ferrari's season so far. In Spain two weeks ago the 40-year-old finished only sixth and was overtaken by Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg, who was a surprise fifth. Hamilton said after that race that his Ferrari was the worst it had ever been but it emerged afterwards both he and teammate Charles Leclerc's cars had undisclosed issues that were affecting handling. "It was a bit of a relief to hear that," he said. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

Spaun grabs early U.S. Open lead, McIlroy two back
Spaun grabs early U.S. Open lead, McIlroy two back

Straits Times

time8 hours ago

  • Straits Times

Spaun grabs early U.S. Open lead, McIlroy two back

Jun 12, 2025; Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA; Andrew Novak plays his shot from the tenth tee during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images REUTERS Jun 12, 2025; Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA; Matt Vogt plays his shot from the first tee during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images REUTERS Jun 12, 2025; Oakmont, Pennsylvania, USA; Bryson DeChambeau plays his shot from the tenth tee during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images REUTERS OAKMONT, Pennsylvania - J.J. Spaun emerged as the surprise early first-round U.S. Open leader on Thursday at Oakmont Country Club where Rory McIlroy was two shots back, defending champion Bryson DeChambeau opened with a bogey and Scottie Scheffler had yet to start. Spaun, who started on the back nine and completed 11 holes on the notoriously challenging Oakmont layout, was four under on the day without a bogey on his card and sat one shot clear of 2019 U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland (through eight holes). McIlroy reached the turn bogey-free at two under and was part of a five-player group who were in a share of third place while DeChambeau was a further two shots adrift. Much of the talk ahead of the U.S. Open was how Oakmont, with penal rough framing narrow fairways that lead to slick greens, would keep scores in check, and while many players struggled there was more red on the leaderboard than expected. McIlroy picked up his first stroke at his second hole, the par-four 11th, where he walked in a 27-foot birdie moments after getting a good read on the putt from playing partner Justin Rose, who missed his attempt to the left. The Northern Irishman followed that with his longest drive of the season, a monstrous 392-yard strike down the 12th fairway that got a helping hand by a generous bounce en route to a birdie that gave him a share of the early lead. McIlroy followed that with a string of six pars. DeChambeau got his title defence off to a shaky start with a bogey, got back to even par with a birdie at the fifth, moved into red figures with a birdie at the seventh where his approach shot settled six feet from the cup and then bogeyed the ninth. Australian Adam Scott, whose 96th consecutive major start this week is the longest streak among active players, was two under through his first 10 holes and part of the group in a share of third place. Tournament favourite Scottie Scheffler, who counts the PGA Championship among his three wins in his last four starts, will head out at 1:25 p.m. ET alongside two-times major winner Collin Morikawa and world number 14 Viktor Hovland. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store