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In the latest controversy surrounding FIFA president Gianni Infantino, the organization reportedly sought a full motorcade escort for him in Vancouver this week during the 76th annual FIFA Congress.
Infantino is convening with delegates from FIFA's 211 member associations to address World Cup preparations, the possible reinstatement of Russia to sanctioned competitions, and the direction of the sport, among other agenda items.
The Times reports that FIFA requested a "level four" escort for Infantino, a designation that provides a high-speed, heavily secured convoy capable of blocking traffic and running red lights. This places it on equal footing with the transportation protocol typically afforded to U.S. President Donald Trump, and even a tier above what is extended to Canada's own prime minister, Mark Carney.
Even the Pope himself receives only one level of escort above what Infantino reportedly requested.
While Vancouver police promptly rejected Infantino's motorcade request, the mere act of asking further highlights how disconnected FIFA is from the very communities it aims to serve this summer at the 2026 World Cup.
Infantino's Ivory Tower
Infantino has distanced himself from the transportation request, with a FIFA spokesperson stating Tuesday afternoon: "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."
Regardless, the motorcade request not only implies that FIFA views Infantino's role as comparable in stature to the world's foremost religious and political figures, but also reveals how little the governing body understands about Canada, one of the three nations co-hosting the World Cup this summer.
In a country where hockey reigns supreme, soccer's popularity—though on the rise—remains modest, far more so than Infantino appears to appreciate, and even smaller than in the U.S., a nation whose sporting culture is largely defined by football, baseball, and basketball. Infantino is hardly a recognizable name across North America and, therefore, has no need for "level four" treatment.
Furthermore, FIFA's expectation that Vancouver taxpayers would willingly fund a transportation service not even afforded to their own Prime Minister reflects a sense of self-importance from Infantino and, more importantly, a continued disregard for the affordability crisis the upcoming tournament has imposed on fans worldwide.
The 2026 World Cup has grown increasingly out of reach for the average fan, with prices soaring to unprecedented heights for any edition of the quadrennial event. Tickets for the World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium have surpassed $10,000 per seat, while other marquee matches are demanding thousands of dollars even for ordinary sightlines.
Getting to and from stadiums is also proving costly in several host cities, reportedly due to insufficient funding from FIFA. As one example, train fares from Penn Station to New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, N.J. are expected to jump from a standard $12.90 to approximately $150.
"We inherited an agreement where FIFA is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup," New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said earlier this month. "And while NJ TRANSIT is stuck with a $48 million bill to safely get fans to and from games, FIFA is making $11 billion. I'm not going to stick New Jersey commuters with that tab for years to come.
"FIFA should pay for the rides. But if they don't—I'm not going to let New Jersey get taken for one."