FIFA boss asks Canada for higher security than sitting PM. Country refuses
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reportedly requested a security arrangement in Canada that exceeded the protection given to Prime Minister Mark Carney. However, Vancouver police turned down the proposal.
Canada has reportedly denied FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s request for specific security arrangements ahead of the World Cup. Canada-based Global BC News reported that FIFA had asked for security cover that was higher than that provided to Prime Minister Mark Carney. However, local authorities were not willing to oblige.
Ahead of FIFA’s annual congress in Vancouver, football’s governing body is believed to have requested a level-four motorcade escort for Infantino, a security setup that exceeds the protection typically provided to Canada’s incumbent prime minister.
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According to the report, the requested arrangement would have allowed Infantino’s convoy to move through red traffic lights, a privilege reserved only for the highest level of protected movement.
Vancouver police reportedly refused the request, declining to provide the FIFA chief with a security detail above that of the country’s own head of government.
The Vancouver mayor’s office responded with a carefully worded statement, saying: “Any transportation arrangements that are made will be appropriate, measured and consistent with how Vancouver safely hosts major international events.”
This is not the first time such a request involving Infantino has been denied. During the 2023 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand, FIFA had reportedly asked for a police motorcade for the president as well, but that request was also turned down by local police.
The FIFA Congress is set to take place on Thursday, with member associations gathering less than two months before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The expanded 48-team tournament, the biggest in World Cup history, will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
For a man running world football, top billing may be expected. Canada, however, made it clear that even FIFA’s president does not get to outrank the prime minister on the road.
Canada has reportedly denied FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s request for specific security arrangements ahead of the World Cup. Canada-based Global BC News reported that FIFA had asked for security cover that was higher than that provided to Prime Minister Mark Carney. However, local authorities were not willing to oblige.
Ahead of FIFA’s annual congress in Vancouver, football’s governing body is believed to have requested a level-four motorcade escort for Infantino, a security setup that exceeds the protection typically provided to Canada’s incumbent prime minister.
Check out all football stories: Here
According to the report, the requested arrangement would have allowed Infantino’s convoy to move through red traffic lights, a privilege reserved only for the highest level of protected movement.
Vancouver police reportedly refused the request, declining to provide the FIFA chief with a security detail above that of the country’s own head of government.
The Vancouver mayor’s office responded with a carefully worded statement, saying: “Any transportation arrangements that are made will be appropriate, measured and consistent with how Vancouver safely hosts major international events.”
This is not the first time such a request involving Infantino has been denied. During the 2023 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand, FIFA had reportedly asked for a police motorcade for the president as well, but that request was also turned down by local police.
The FIFA Congress is set to take place on Thursday, with member associations gathering less than two months before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The expanded 48-team tournament, the biggest in World Cup history, will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
For a man running world football, top billing may be expected. Canada, however, made it clear that even FIFA’s president does not get to outrank the prime minister on the road.
