FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s request for a high-level, presidential-style motorcade during his visit to Vancouver for upcoming FIFA meetings has been denied by local authorities. The world soccer body’s leader had sought a security presence reportedly exceeding that afforded to Canada’s prime minister, but the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) deemed the request unwarranted.
Infantino, 56, was reportedly, seeking a “level four escort,” a measure on par with security provided for U.S. presidents, just one tier below that for the Pope, and one level above Canada’s head of government, according to Global BC News. However, the VPD swiftly rejected the demand.
Denied due to international protection standards
Deputy Chief Don Chapman of the Vancouver Police Department clarified the city’s stance, stating, “Formal motorcades where traffic is stopped are reserved for heads of state.” He further explained that FIFA executives, including Infantino, “do not meet Internationally Protected Person (IPP) standards that would warrant such an escort (closing roads, intersections, not adhering to traffic devices, etc.), the request was declined,” as reported by AP News.
The office of Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim echoed this position, confirming there would be no special arrangements. “There will be no motorcade proceeding through traffic signals, and no Emergency Response Team assigned in the manner described,” a statement from the Mayor’s office read. It added that “any transportation arrangements that are made will be appropriate, measured, and consistent with how Vancouver safely hosts major international events.”
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In response to the reports, a FIFA spokesperson denied that the organization “never requested a specific level of police motorcade for the FIFA President.”
The spokesperson clarified to Global News that Infantino was “not aware of, or involved in, any requests with authorities in relation to his transportation and security matters for the 76th FIFA Congress.” Instead, FIFA stated that FWC26 Canada, the local organizers, “liaised with authorities requesting support in relation to all delegates, guests, and stakeholders,” in line with previous event arrangements.
This incident comes as Infantino has cultivated a public image of high-level access, notably through his close relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Infantino has been seen in the Oval Office, attended Trump’s Board of Peace meetings, and appeared by Trump’s side at UFC events.
He even awarded Trump the “FIFA Peace Prize” late last year and gifted him the “first ticket” to the World Cup final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium in July, after the golden World Cup trophy had reportedly sat on Trump’s desk.
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Broader security for World Cup 2026
Despite the denial of a bespoke motorcade for Infantino, Vancouver is preparing for an unprecedented security operation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. Global News reports that the event will necessitate the largest police deployment in the city’s history.
Security will involve a multi-agency effort, including officers from the Vancouver Police Department, RCMP, and municipal forces from Calgary and Edmonton.
B.C.’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Nina Krieger, anticipates an update on the federal government’s contribution to security funding “in short order.”
Dave Jones, Vancouver’s head of safety and security for FIFA, emphasized the priority: “The primary focus is, remember, is the safety not only of those players and participants coming, but of the general public and, you know, an increase in tourism that comes to the regions.”
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Sources: apnews.com, globalnews.ca
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