Fifa request to give Gianni Infantino ‘Pope-level’ treatment rejected by Vancouver
Vancouver authorities rejected a FIFA request to provide its president, Gianni Infantino, with a level-four motorcade escort during the FIFA Congress, a security level comparable to that of the U.S. president and one above what is typically offered to Canada’s prime minister. The city stated that transportation arrangements would be appropriate and consistent with standard protocols for major international events. This follows a similar rejected request for Infantino during the 2023 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand. The congress occurs amid controversy over FIFA’s decision to award a 'peace prize' to Donald Trump.
- ▪FIFA requested a level-four motorcade for Gianni Infantino in Vancouver, a security tier usually reserved for figures like the Pope and U.S. president.
- ▪Vancouver police rejected the request, stating that security would be consistent with standard protocols for major international events.
- ▪The security level requested was higher than that typically provided to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
- ▪A similar motorcade request for Infantino during the 2023 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand was also declined.
- ▪The FIFA Congress coincides with criticism from Norwegian FA chief Lise Klaveness over the organization's 'peace prize' awarded to Donald Trump.
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