Kraft Group secures advance financing for Boston World Cup matches.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has consented to his organization covering the initial security expenses required for hosting seven World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium, thereby addressing the concerns of the Massachusetts town of Foxborough and resolving a lengthy public dispute that jeopardized the event at his venue, a member of the town’s select board informed ESPN on Thursday evening.
“Robert Kraft has ultimately agreed to support the Boston 2026 payment policy,” board member Mark Elfman stated to ESPN.
“We have secured the funds in advance for equipment and infrastructure. We have approved a payment plan to facilitate the payroll for the security aspect of the World Cup ahead of time.”
A letter obtained by ESPN, signed by Kraft Sports + Entertainment chief operating officer James Nolan and dated Wednesday, was directed to board members and town manager Paige Duncan.
“The intent of the Letter Agreement is for [Kraft Sports + Entertainment, a division of the Kraft Group] to offer financial assurances to [Boston Soccer 2026] that BS26 will have prompt access to funds for the settlement of invoices to, or on behalf of, the Town of Foxborough … in relation to the deployment of the Town’s public safety personnel and supplying the Town with certain goods and equipment …,” the letter stated.
At the heart of the disagreement was nearly $8 million that Foxborough had requested upfront to compensate its police force. The town declined to utilize taxpayer funds based on a promise of reimbursement from federal funds that have been delayed. Board members also questioned the host committee regarding the acquisition of security materials and the timeline for their implementation.
On Wednesday night, just days before a vote that could have determined the outcome of the games, the town, the Kraft Group, and host committee Boston Soccer 2026 reached an agreement that will permit the approval of a license required by FIFA for the matches at Gillette, issuing a joint statement but providing minimal details on how the agreement was achieved.
Elfman informed ESPN that the financial dispute was effectively resolved by Kraft, who contacted board chairman Bill Yukna. The town and the Kraft Group have a longstanding partnership; the Kraft Group owns the stadium and applies for a similar license for Patriots games.
Elfman also mentioned that local officials, including Massachusetts governor Maura Healey, participated in the final negotiations prior to the agreement.
According to Elfman, the board held an executive session on Thursday night, where it formally approved the “payment portion,” including funds that will be accessible before the town needs to compensate security personnel during the World Cup’s 39-day duration. A vote for the full approval of the license is set for March 17, which had been established as a final deadline.
Foxborough had maintained a firm position on the license approval, escalating a standoff that became contentious in recent days, placing a small New England town against a global soccer entity, its host-committee affiliate, and a company led by Kraft.
During a March 3 meeting, the Foxborough select board engaged in a discussion with two attorneys from the host committee. At that meeting, the host committee indicated for the first time that it would cover security costs, if necessary, within two business days of receiving an invoice. The Kraft Group would finance any shortfall.
On March 5, organizers sent a letter to the town that committed in writing to the payment within two business days of invoicing. It also stated that the host committee had $2 million in an account and anticipated receiving at least $30 million more. Kraft Sports & Entertainment offered to support the funding if required, according to written documentation also provided. However, board members were not satisfied until Wednesday night.
“We wanted to ensure that we could cover what FIFA indicated was necessary to guarantee that the stadium was a secure environment for fans to attend the game,” Elfman stated.
Compounding the funding uncertainty is the status of $625 million that the federal government has allocated for the 11 host cities in the U.S. “to enhance security and preparedness.” However, the Homeland Security Department funds have been delayed due to a congressional freeze on funding related to immigration enforcement. According to Elfman, Kraft will be reimbursed if those funds are eventually released.
“In my view, the Krafts should have provided this support three months ago,” Elfman added.
Gillette Stadium is set to host its first match on June 13, featuring Scotland against Haiti.
