Are you the Pope or FIFA president?
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 29.04.26. | 13:30
Gianni Infantino reportedly stunned Vancouver authorities with his security demands
While serving his third straight mandate as the FIFA president. Gianni Infantino is more and more starting to act like a politician. One of the important rules of democracy is the limitation of mandates at the public function. Being at the place of power too long tends to influence a man, usually in a bad way and Infantino, although not a politician, is the perfect example of that. During his ongoing presidency over FIFA, he had a huge number of controversial decisions and was under various investigations. And now, ahead of the 76th FIFA Congress, which will be held in Vancouver, he got the impression that his role is as important as the Pope of the American president.
Maybe his friendship with Donald Trump influenced his behavior, as according to the reports from Canada, he asked for presidential treatment. The local media Global BC reported that Infantino asked for a full level 4 escort from local authorities, which is "one notch below the Pope, but equivalent to that of the American president, Donald Trump, and higher than that of the Canadian prime minister". The full level 4 escort includes a special motorcade escort, which would allow him to go through red lights and block off road users. Vancouver police did not agree with that stance and have since rejected the request, with the mayor's office also releasing a statement on the matter.
“Any transportation arrangements that are made will be appropriate, measured and consistent with how Vancouver safely hosts major international events” read the statement published by The Athletic.
Gianni Infantino a perdu beaucoup de soutien en off à la FIFA pour son lobbying/soutien inconditionnel à Donald Trump
— Romain Molina (@Romain_Molina) April 14, 2026
De nombreuses fédérations ne comprennent pas sa position puisque malgré son adoration pour le président des Etats-Unis, il n'a pas réussi à obtenir l'exemption… pic.twitter.com/fpf8EK0HfI
As soon as the reports started to spread around the word, FIFA reacted with a statement.
"The FIFA President was not aware of, nor involved in, any requests made to the authorities regarding his travel and security arrangements for the 76th FIFA Congress. In accordance with previous arrangements for such events, the local organizers coordinated with the authorities to request support for all delegates, guests, and stakeholders. FIFA does not comment on travel and security protocols involving the FIFA President and wishes to thank law enforcement in Vancouver for their continued support this week" said the FIFA spokesperson.