Infantino unaware of police motorcade request: FIFA

FIFA has issued a statement clarifying that its president, Gianni Infantino, had no knowledge of or involvement in a reported request for a special police motorcade during his visit to Vancouver for the 76th FIFA Congress. The assertion comes in response to a report by Canadian broadcaster Global News BC, which cited unnamed sources claiming that FIFA officials had sought a police escort typically provided to high-profile figures like the Pope or heads of state.

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The FIFA president was not aware of, or involved in, any requests with authorities in relation to his transportation and security matters for the 76th FIFA Congress.

According to the report, the request aimed to grant Infantino's motorcade priority passage through traffic lights. However, FIFA has denied that the president himself was involved in making such a request. A FIFA spokesperson stated, "The FIFA president was not aware of, or involved in, any requests with authorities in relation to his transportation and security matters for the 76th FIFA Congress." The organization emphasized that, as is customary for major events, local organizers (FWC26 Canada) liaised with authorities regarding security support for all attendees.

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In line with previous arrangements for such events, FWC26 Canada, as local organisers, liaised with authorities requesting support in relation to all delegates, guests, and stakeholders.

While FIFA did not explicitly deny that a request for enhanced security was made, it maintained that Infantino was not privy to it. The organization also declined to comment on specific security protocols involving its president, expressing gratitude to the Vancouver law enforcement for their ongoing support. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim also commented, assuring that any transportation arrangements would be "appropriate, measured, and consistent with how Vancouver safely hosts major international events." The FIFA Congress is scheduled to commence on Thursday in Vancouver, which is also set to host several matches during the World Cup.

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FIFA does not comment on transportation and security protocols involving the FIFA president and would like to thank law enforcement in Vancouver for their ongoing support this week.