FIFA requests ‘Trump-level’ security detail for Gianni Infantino
The Federation requested a Level 4 security detail from the Vancouver police, a detail reserved for figures such as the President of the United States.
FIFA requested a Level 4 motorised escort from Vancouver police to transport its president, Gianni Infantino, through the streets of the Canadian city during the federation’s 76th Congress, which begins this Thursday, 30 April. According to Global BC, local authorities denied the request.
The “Level 4” security plan allows the mobilisation of all city police forces for the benefit of a single official. It authorises officers to block traffic for other road users and permits the lead motorcade to run red lights. This level is typically reserved for figures such as the President of the United States. Not even the Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, is granted such a deployment. The highest level, Level 5, which involves a complete shutdown of traffic across the city, is reserved for the Pope.
The Vancouver City Council described the request as “excessive” in a press release, adding: “Any transportation measures adopted will be appropriate, prudent, and consistent with how Vancouver safely hosts major international events.” The city, the most populous in British Columbia, will host seven matches of the FIFA World Cup and, this week, the 76th Congress. It will be the last time the federation’s 211 members meet before the tournament to review financial reports and vote on resolutions.
According to The Independent, Infantino had previously requested a similar security detail during his visit to Auckland in July 2023 for the Women’s World Cup. That request was also rejected by local police after being assessed under standard operating procedures.
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