FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing strong reactions even before he lands in Canada. The 56-year-old had requested a very high-level police escort during his upcoming visit to Vancouver. This visit is part of FIFA’s annual congress and also linked to early preparations for the 2026 World Cup. However, the request was denied. Vancouver police rejected giving him what is known as a “level four” security escort, a privilege usually reserved for world leaders like presidents or the Pope. Such an escort allows a motorcade to move through traffic without stopping, even at red lights, and can block roads for other people.
The city’s mayor’s office supported this decision. According to a report by The Athletic, officials made it clear that any travel plan for Infantino would be “appropriate, measured and consistent with how Vancouver safely hosts major international events.” Police also highlighted that such a high-level escort would cost a significant amount of public money. As soon as the news broke, it spread quickly online, with many fans openly criticizing the request. The issue has added more pressure around World Cup costs, which were already a major concern in Vancouver.
Rising World Cup Costs and Fan Criticism
This situation connects to a larger issue that Vancouver residents are already discussing: the rising cost of hosting the World Cup. Reports suggest the city may spend around $438 million on security for the tournament, a figure that has worried many locals. Emily Lowan, leader of the Green Party of British Columbia, has spoken about these growing expenses, raising concerns about what she called “ballooning costs of security” and how it could affect the city. So when news emerged about Infantino asking for a top-level escort, it did not sit well with many people.
On social media, fans reacted strongly. One user wrote, “The constant arrogant lack of self-awareness of that guy is stunning.” Another said, “Infantino is now elevating himself to head of state level. All along I thought this guy was humble.” These reactions show that many felt the request was excessive.
Previous Similar Incidents
This is not the first time such a request has been made. In 2023, during the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand, FIFA made a similar request for a police motorcade, which was also rejected. This pattern suggests that authorities in different countries are not agreeing to such demands.
Ticket Sales Concerns
Meanwhile, there are other worries surrounding the World Cup. Ticket prices have become a major talking point, with many fans feeling they are too expensive and fearing they might not be able to attend matches. A document dated April 10, reported by The Athletic, showed that only 40,934 tickets were sold for the USA vs Paraguay match scheduled for June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. That number is lower than expected, especially compared to another match at the same stadium: the Iran vs New Zealand game, scheduled three days later, has sold around 50,661 tickets, nearly 10,000 more. The stadium holds 69,650 people, so there is still a gap. It is also not fully clear if the USA vs Paraguay ticket count includes special or hospitality tickets.
All of this indicates that FIFA is dealing with multiple challenges as the World Cup approaches, from security requests to rising costs and ticket concerns, building pressure on the organization.
