FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces a setback as he prepares for his pre-World Cup visit to Vancouver, having been denied a “presidential-level security detail.”

At 56, Infantino is set to travel to Canada this week for FIFA’s annual congress, marking a key step in gearing up for this summer’s World Cup.

FIFA had requested a special motorcade escort for Infantino, which would permit him to proceed through red lights and temporarily halt traffic.

Such a level four escort is typically reserved for high-profile figures like the Pope or the President, yet FIFA argued that Infantino warranted similar treatment.

However, Vancouver police did not share this view and have declined the request. The city’s mayor’s office also issued a statement regarding the decision.

According to The Athletic, the statement noted: “Any transportation arrangements will be appropriate, measured, and consistent with how Vancouver safely hosts major international events.”

Gianni Infantino has been dealt a humbling blow ahead of his pre-World Cup visit to Vancouver

Vancouver police have rejected a request for Infantino to receive a level four motorcade escort

Vancouver police also indicated that a level four escort would have had significant cost implications for city tax-payers.

News of FIFA and Infantino’s request went viral on social media, with users online scolding the organization for their ‘lack of self-awareness’.

‘The constant arrogant lack of self-awareness of that guy is stunning,’ one user said on X.

Another wrote: ‘Infantino is now elevating himself to head of state level. All along I thought this guy was humble.’ 

World Cup costs – and specifically the cost of security measures – had already been a prominent topic of debate in the city, prior to Infantino’s request. 

Some local news outlets have suggested that it will cost around $438 million (£325m) in order to have appropriate security measures in place for the summer tournament.

Leader of the Green Party of British Columbia, Emily Lowan, was among those who recently critiqued the ‘ballooning costs of security’ that will affect the city.

Meanwhile, this is not the first time that Infantino has made such a request. 

Back in 2023, while visiting New Zealand for the Women’s World Cup, FIFA once again requested a police motorcade. Similarly, their proposal was shot down. 

Infantino pictured alongside US President Donald Trump at the World Cup draw in December

Back in 2023, while visiting New Zealand for the Women’s World Cup, FIFA once again requested a police motorcade for Infantino. Similarly, their proposal was shot down.

Infantino’s trip to Vancouver comes amid growing concern over World Cup ticket prices, with many fans feeling as though they’ve been priced out of attending. 

A document dated April 10 that was distributed to local organizers was obtained by The Athletic, which revealed that only 40,934 tickets to USA-Paraguay had been sold up to that point.

The match, which is set to take place on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, is being outsold by multiple other matches taking place in the same building.

For example, the outlet revealed that the Iran-New Zealand game taking place three days later has sold nearly 10,000 more tickets – with a listed sale of 50,661.

FIFA lists the venue’s capacity at 69,650. In its report, The Athletic notes that it wasn’t clear if the 40,934 tickets sold included hospitality or other tickets not sold to the public.