The entity asked the Canadian police for a level 4 escort — the same security apparatus reserved for the Pope or the President of the United States
Of course, Gianni Infantino occupies a position that opens almost all doors and places him in the highest circles of world power.
But that’s exactly where the risk lies: when there are no longer limits to one’s status.
On the eve of 76th FIFA Congresswhich takes place this Thursday (04/30) in Vancouver, the entity asked the Canadian police for an escort of level 4 — the same security apparatus reserved for the Pope or the President of the United States, and superior to that offered to the Canadian Prime Minister himself.
The response didn’t take long. The police refused the request due to the high costs that would be passed on to taxpayers.
Vancouver City Hall was even more direct: Infantino’s deployment will be “appropriate, moderate and consistent” with the standards of major international events.
This episode is a classic example of excess status.
Infantino is, without a doubt, an important figure in world sport, but he is neither head of state nor top religious leader. Asking for treatment from the head of government or supreme authority reveals a dangerous disconnect with reality.
As philosophers have warned for centuries, excess always weakens the cause you intend to defend.
When the leader of an entity that should represent global sport begins to behave as if he were above the basic rules of common sense and moderation, credibility is lost — and, in the long run, respect is also lost.
Football deserves leaders who elevate the institution, and not who use the institution to inflate their own ego.
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jovem Pan.
