At a news conference to promote the new revamped Harris County Houston Sports Authority, Mayor John Whitmire was asked about reports that CEO Janis Burke is being forced out, after 18 years.
"You know, that's a decision for the board. I'll leave that to the board, I haven't been given notification of that."
Then, this afternoon at an HCHSA Board meeting, Janis Burke is out, following a unanimous vote. An interim CEO is one option, although the Board's Chair can appoint a new one.
The Mayor wants to see major upgrades for the all the sports venues, with less than 2 years to go until the 2026 World Cup.
"We got a lot of work to do" Whitmire said, "And that's why I called this group together to let Houstonian's it's all hands on deck. Public safety, infrastructure, transit, and the best venues we can provide at the World Cup."
When pressed again about the Janis Burke reports, Whitmire fired back, "I don't have time for politics. I absolutely do not get involved in the politics of my decision. No time or room for politics in this reorganization."
Houston is set to host the first of 7 World Cup matches beginning on June 14th, 2026.