Vancouver Police Department Denies Motorcade Request for FIFA President
In an unexpected turn of events, the Vancouver Police Department has turned down a request for a police motorcade to escort FIFA president Gianni Infantino during his visit to Vancouver, British Columbia for FIFA meetings. On Wednesday, Deputy Chief Don Chapman clarified that formal motorcades, which include traffic stoppages, are typically reserved for heads of state. He stated,
“The FIFA executive does not meet Internationally Protected Person (IPP) standards that would justify such an escort, which entails shutting down roads and intersections.”
FIFA’s Response
Later in the day, FIFA representatives responded to the situation, asserting that no formal request for an enhanced police escort had been made on behalf of the FIFA President. According to a spokesperson for FIFA, Infantino was unaware of any conversations surrounding his transportation or security issues for the upcoming events marking the 76th FIFA Congress.
Security Arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
As customary for such gatherings, the local organizing committee for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, which will also involve the United States and Mexico, coordinated with the authorities to arrange security for all attendees including delegates and stakeholders.
Current FIFA Meetings in Vancouver
Currently, FIFA is convening in Vancouver, one of the sixteen selected venues for the World Cup matches set to take place from June 11 to July 19. The FIFA Congress is scheduled for Thursday, and discussions have already been underway this week, including updates on the rules regarding yellow card suspensions, announcements regarding additional prize money for World Cup teams, and the approval for the return of the exiled Afghan women’s team to international play.
