Vancouver police have denied FIFA's request for a level-four motorcade for president Gianni Infantino during the 76th FIFA Congress. The congress will focus on key topics, including the upcoming World Cup and the 2031 Women's World Cup.
Key points
Vancouver police denied FIFA's motorcade request for Gianni Infantino
Request was for a level-four police motorcade
76th FIFA Congress is scheduled for Thursday
Upcoming World Cup is a primary discussion topic
Trump threatens to withdraw U.S. bid if FIFA's transgender policy remains unchanged
Mentioned in this story
FIFAGianni InfantinoDonald Trump
2031 Women's World Cup
FIFA President Gianni Infantino meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney
FIFA had pushed for the organization's president, Gianni Infantino, to receive a level-four police motorcade during his visit to Vancouver -Credit:Chris Tanouye - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
(Chris Tanouye - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Vancouver police have turned down an audacious request ahead of the 76th FIFA Congress on Thursday, after the governing body sought a Donald Trump-style motorcade for president Gianni Infantino.
FIFA's member associations are set to convene in Vancouver on Thursday for their annual congress, with the upcoming World Cup anticipated to be the primary topic of discussion. The 2031 Women's World Cup is also expected to be on the agenda, with Trump threatening to pull the joint-U.S. bid if FIFA's transgender policy is not changed.
Infantino has developed a close relationship with Trump as the World Cup draws near, even presenting him with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize at the World Cup Draw in December. However, Vancouver made it abundantly clear that Infantino's arrival would not be afforded the same level of attention as a visit from Trump himself, reports The Mirror US.
Why did FIFA request a motorcade for Gianni Infantino in Vancouver?
FIFA requested the motorcade to ensure a high level of security for president Gianni Infantino during his visit for the 76th FIFA Congress.
What is the significance of the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver?
The 76th FIFA Congress is significant as it will address important topics, including preparations for the upcoming World Cup and discussions about the 2031 Women's World Cup.
What are the implications of Trump's threat regarding the joint U.S. bid?
Trump's threat to withdraw the joint U.S. bid for the World Cup could impact FIFA's planning and negotiations, especially concerning the organization's transgender policy.
What topics are expected to be discussed at the FIFA Congress?
The congress is expected to focus on the upcoming World Cup and the 2031 Women's World Cup, among other key issues.
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FIFA requested a level-four escort, the same security Donald Trump would receive.
The motorcade would have provided the same level of security as that received by U.S. President Donald Trump -Credit:Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images
According to Global BC News, FIFA requested that Vancouver provide a level-four police motorcade for Infantino at this week's Congress. These extensive security measures are typically reserved for major world leaders or the Pope.
The level-four escort carries authorization to run red traffic lights and block off other road users. The request was submitted to the Vancouver Police Department, as per The Times.
The arrangements sit one level below those designated for the Pope and would match the security level required for U.S. presidents. Notably, Mark Carney, Canada's prime minister, does not even receive that level of escort.
Vancouver police turned down the request, acknowledging that its policy would not be bent for the FIFA president. "Any transportation arrangements that are made will be appropriate, measured, and consistent with how Vancouver safely hosts major international events," read a statement issued by the Vancouver mayor's office.
Approving the request would have carried significant financial implications for city taxpayers, a subject that has already generated considerable buzz ahead of the World Cup. Security expenditure has been a growing concern for residents across World Cup host cities.
Vancouver officials have yet to confirm the tournament's budget and have faced opposition from rival politicians. Figures of $600 million ($440 million USD) have circulated, though no concrete evidence has emerged to substantiate them.
An estimated 350,000 visitors are expected to descend on Vancouver this summer, with the city scheduled to stage seven World Cup fixtures, two of which will feature co-hosts Canada taking on Qatar and Switzerland. Canada's opening group stage match will pit them against Bosnia at BMO Field in Toronto.
In preparation for the anticipated surge in visitors, the city has deployed temporary surveillance cameras to bolster security measures. Blue signs alerting the public to temporary surveillance began appearing near BC Place in December, with 200 cameras set to be installed across areas linked to World Cup activity.
The Vancouver Host Committee assured residents that the cameras would only be utilized for testing until the World Cup kicks off. Once the tournament commences, the cameras will be operational until they are taken down following the World Cup final.
The committee emphasized that the cameras would be deployed exclusively for public safety purposes. However, the initiative sparked opposition, with some expressing concerns about where data ends up once it exits city oversight.