Police in Vancouver have turned down a request from FIFA to provide president Gianni Infantino with a level-four motorcade escort, a security arrangement typically reserved for the Pope, according to Canadian reports. FIFA's annual congress is set to take place in Vancouver this week, and Global BC reported that the governing body asked for its president to be granted a full motorcade escort through the city, allowing his convoy to traverse downtown traffic lights while roads are blocked off.
This level of security clearance is only one tier below that afforded to the Pope, is equivalent to arrangements for the president of the United States, and surpasses the protection offered to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The City of Vancouver issued a statement saying: "Any transportation arrangements that are made will be appropriate, measured, and consistent with how Vancouver safely hosts major international events." FIFA has been contacted for comment.
Infantino has developed a close relationship with US President Donald Trump ahead of the World Cup. The Independent has previously reported on how the Swiss official now moves among the "elite," including attending Trump's second inauguration. FIFA had also requested a motorcade for Infantino during a visit to New Zealand for the 2023 Women's World Cup, but local police declined after assessing it against standard operating procedures.
The FIFA annual congress begins on Thursday amid a complaint from Norwegian FA head Lise Klaveness regarding the controversial awarding of a FIFA "peace prize" to Trump before last December's World Cup draw. Klaveness has called for the prize to be abolished, stating: "We don't think it's part of FIFA's mandate to give such a prize; we think we have a Nobel Institute that does that job independently already."
