The level of security detail proposed by Fifa was level with arrangements for the president of the United States and one above that offered to Canada’s prime minister
Police in Vancouver rejected a request from Fifa to provide president Gianni Infantino with a level-four motorcade escort, the sort of security arrangements usually reserved for heads of state and figures like the Pope.
Fifa’s annual congress takes place in Vancouver this week and Global BC reported football’s governing body asked for its president to be given a full motorcade escort through the city, allowing his convoy to go through downtown traffic lights while roads are blocked off.
That type of security clearance is only one level below the Pope, is on terms with the president of the United States, and is higher than that offered to the Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney.
“Formal motorcades where traffic is stopped are reserved for heads of state,” a media relations officer from the Vancouver Police Department told The Independent.
“As the Fifa Executive 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.”
A statement from the City of Vancouver said: “Any transportation arrangements that are made will be appropriate, measured, and consistent with how Vancouver safely hosts major international events.”
When approached for comment, Fifa said Infantino was not involved in the request for the formal motorcade.
“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,” a Fifa spokesperson said.
“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.
“Fifa does not comment on transportation and security protocols involving the Fifa president and would like to thank law enforcement in Vancouver for their ongoing support this week.”
Infantino has formed a close bond with US president Donald Trump ahead of the World Cup, and The Independent has previously reported details of how the Swiss now moves in the orbit of the “elite”, such as attending Trump’s second inauguration.
Fifa also requested for Infantino to be given a motorcade when visiting New Zealand during the 2023 Women’s World Cup, but local police said it was “declined after assessing it against standard operating procedures”.
The Fifa annual congress will begin on Thursday amid a complaint from the head of the Norwegian FA, Lise Klaveness, over the controversial awarding of a Fifa ‘peace prize’ to Trump before last December’s World Cup draw.
Klaveness has called for the peace prize to be abolished and said: “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.”
Category: General Sports
