VANCOUVER.- The FIFA declared this Tuesday that its president, Gianni Infantinowas unaware of the alleged request for a special police caravan in Vancouver, on the occasion of the FIFA Congress of this week.
Canadian broadcaster Global News BC cited anonymous sources as saying that FIFA officials had requested that Infantino have a police escort similar to that provided to the Dad or heads of state.
The network indicated that the request, which would allow Infantino’s motorcade to circulate through the city without traffic obstacles, was rejected.
World football’s main body rejected that Infantino was involved in the request, but did not explicitly deny that it had been made.
“The FIFA President was not aware of or involved in any requests to the authorities regarding his transportation and security for the 76th FIFA Congress,” a spokesperson for the international federation said.
He added that, in accordance with previous agreements for this type of event, the Canadian Committee for the 2026 World Cup “has contacted the authorities to request support in relation to all delegates, guests and other interested parties.”
“FIFA is taking no position on transportation and security protocols related to the FIFA President and thanks Vancouver law enforcement for their continued support this week.”
Global News cited a statement from the mayor of Vancouver, Ken Simwhich stated that “any transportation measures adopted will be appropriate, prudent and consistent with how Vancouver safely hosts large international events.”
The FIFA Congress begins on Thursday in Vancouver, a city that will also host seven matches during the World Cup.
Arteta bets on Arsenal dominance
The coach of Arsenal, Mikel Artetaassured this Tuesday that “a team that wants to be dominant” will be seen against the Atlético de Madrid in the first leg of the semi-finals of the Champions on Wednesday.
“It’s a great opportunity. We’re going to take advantage of it,” Arteta said about being in the semi-finals again for the second consecutive year.
“You are going to see a team that wants to dominate, that wants to win and that wants to start getting the tie back on track tomorrow,” said Arsenal’s Spanish coach.
