Canadian government turn down FIFA request for World Cup amid security concerns

Canada is getting set to host the FIFA World Cup this summer, and as the competition edges closer every day, things are being put in place to ensure that it runs smoothly and that it will be a secure environment for fans attending.

An important part of the process is getting the security in place at all the venues that will be hosting across North America, with Canada being no different.

However, it has been reported by Jordan Armstrong that one FIFA request has already been denied.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is one of the most recognisable faces in the world, particularly to those who are football fans or have been following world events in recent months, as he is now on President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace.

As he becomes a figure on the global stage, it would make sense that FIFA and Infantino would believe he is of extreme importance.

This led to FIFA making a request to have a level 4 motorcade escort for its president while in Vancouver, which gives him the ability to go through traffic lights.

That is one level below the Pope, but it would be on par with Trump as the president of the United States while being a higher level than the security for the Canadian prime minister.

Vancouver Police made the decision to deny FIFA and Infantino this request, as they believe they will have the appropriate measures in place.

Concerns have been raised in general throughout the Canadian region and in government about the costs of hosting the competition, particularly when it comes to security.

As part of the report by Armstrong, he looked back at the 2010 Winter Olympics, which were held in Vancouver, and the cost of security at this international competition.

The estimate for security at the time was $175 million, but the actual cost was $900 million, and so this may worry the taxpayer about how much they will have to pay this time around for the World Cup.

Currently the projection from the province in Canada is at $345 million; however, the public may not be surprised if this figure increases upon the completion of the World Cup, which may worry many within government and the public.