FIFA president Infantino denied police escort request in Vancouver

• Vancouver police reject request for Gianni Infantino motorcade
• Authorities say escort reserved for heads of state only
• FIFA meetings continue ahead of World Cup preparations

A request for Gianni Infantino to receive a police escort during his visit to Vancouver has been denied by local authorities.

The Vancouver Police Department confirmed that the request did not meet the criteria required for such security measures.

Deputy Chief Don Chapman said formal motorcades that involve stopping traffic are reserved for heads of state, adding that FIFA officials do not qualify under Internationally Protected Person standards.

“As the FIFA executive do not meet Internationally Protected Person standards that would warrant such an escort, the request was declined,” Chapman said.

FIFA has not yet responded publicly to the decision.

The governing body is holding a series of meetings in Vancouver this week, one of the host cities for the upcoming World Cup, which will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

FIFA’s annual congress, bringing together representatives from its member associations, is scheduled to take place on Thursday.

The meetings come amid a busy period for FIFA, with recent announcements including changes to yellow card suspension rules for the World Cup, confirmation of increased prize money, and steps toward reinstating the Afghan women’s national team to international competition.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.

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