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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jamie Braidwood

World Cup host city rejects request to give Gianni Infantino ‘Pope-level’ security treatment

  • Police in Vancouver, the Canadian city due to host seven World Cup matches this summer, rejected a request from Fifa to provide its president, Gianni Infantino, with a level-four motorcade escort, a security arrangement typically reserved for the Pope or the US President.
  • Fifa's request for Infantino's convoy to have a full motorcade, allowing it to bypass traffic lights with blocked roads, was deemed by Canadian reports to be one level below the Pope and higher than that offered to the Canadian Prime Minister.
  • The City of Vancouver stated that any transportation arrangements would be “appropriate, measured, and consistent” with how the city hosts major international events, following the rejection.
  • This is not the first time such a request has been declined, as New Zealand police also rejected a similar motorcade request for Infantino during the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
  • The Fifa annual congress in Vancouver is also facing controversy, with the head of the Norwegian FA, Lise Klaveness, calling for the abolition of Fifa's peace prize after its controversial awarding to Donald Trump.

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