Canada has reportedly rejected FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s request for specific security measures ahead of the World Cup. Canada’s Global BC News reported that FIFA requested more security cover than Prime Minister Mark Carney provided. However, the local authorities were unwilling to comply.
Ahead of FIFA’s annual congress in Vancouver, soccer’s governing body is believed to have requested a level four motorcade escort for Infantino, a security setup that goes beyond the protection usually provided to a sitting Canadian prime minister.
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According to the report, the requested arrangement would allow 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 and refused to give the FIFA chief a security detail higher than that of the head of government’s own.
The Vancouver mayor’s office responded with a carefully worded statement: “Any traffic measures taken will be appropriate, proportionate 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 reportedly requested a police motorcade for the president as well, but this request was also denied by local police.
The FIFA Congress is due to take place on Thursday, with member associations meeting less than two months before the start of the 2026 World Cup. The expanded 48-team tournament, the largest in World Cup history, will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Top billing is to be expected from the man who runs world football. But Canada has made it clear that even the FIFA president can’t beat the prime minister on the road.
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Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
28 Apr 2026 20:38 IST
