FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has been dealt a humbling blow ahead of his pre-World Cup visit to Vancouver after being denied a ‘presidential-level security detail’.
Infantino, 56, will head to Canada this week for the organization’s annual congress, as preparations for this summer’s World Cup begin to ramp up.
Ahead of his trip, FIFA have requested that Infantino receive a special motorcade escort, which would allow him to go through red lights and block off road users.
Typically, the level four escort is reserved for officials such as the Pope or the President, however, FIFA feel as though Infantino should receive the same service.
Evidently, Vancouver police did not agree with that stance and have since rejected the request, with the mayor’s office also releasing a statement on the matter.
The statement, according to The Athletic, read: ‘Any transportation arrangements that are made will be appropriate, measured and consistent with how Vancouver safely hosts major international events.’
Gianni Infantino has been dealt a humbling blow ahead of his pre-World Cup visit to Vancouver
Vancouver police have rejected a request for Infantino to receive a level four motorcade escort
Vancouver police also indicated that a level four escort would have had significant cost implications for city tax-payers.
News of FIFA and Infantino’s request went viral on social media, with users online scolding the organization for their ‘lack of self-awareness’.
‘The constant arrogant lack of self-awareness of that guy is stunning,’ one user said on X.
Another wrote: ‘Infantino is now elevating himself to head of state level. All along I thought this guy was humble.’
World Cup costs – and specifically the cost of security measures – had already been a prominent topic of debate in the city, prior to Infantino’s request.
Some local news outlets have suggested that it will cost around $438 million (£325m) in order to have appropriate security measures in place for the summer tournament.
Leader of the Green Party of British Columbia, Emily Lowan, was among those who recently critiqued the ‘ballooning costs of security’ that will affect the city.
Meanwhile, this is not the first time that Infantino has made such a request.
Back in 2023, while visiting New Zealand for the Women’s World Cup, FIFA once again requested a police motorcade. Similarly, their proposal was shot down.
A FIFA spokesperson said: ‘The FIFA President was not aware of, or involved in, any requests with authorities in relation to his transportation and security matters for the 76th FIFA Congress.
‘In line with previous arrangements for such events, FWC26 Canada, as local organisers, liaised with authorities requesting support in relation to all delegates, guests and stakeholders.’
Infantino pictured alongside US President Donald Trump at the World Cup draw in December
Back in 2023, while visiting New Zealand for the Women’s World Cup, FIFA once again requested a police motorcade for Infantino. Similarly, their proposal was shot down.
Infantino’s trip to Vancouver comes amid growing concern over World Cup ticket prices, with many fans feeling as though they’ve been priced out of attending.
A document dated April 10 that was distributed to local organizers was obtained by The Athletic, which revealed that only 40,934 tickets to USA-Paraguay had been sold up to that point.
The match, which is set to take place on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, is being outsold by multiple other matches taking place in the same building.
For example, the outlet revealed that the Iran-New Zealand game taking place three days later has sold nearly 10,000 more tickets – with a listed sale of 50,661.
FIFA lists the venue’s capacity at 69,650. In its report, The Athletic notes that it wasn’t clear if the 40,934 tickets sold included hospitality or other tickets not sold to the public.
