Bob Mackin
No major incidents — but numerous minor ones — through the first three FIFA World Cup matches hosted in Vancouver, according to documents obtained by theBreaker under freedom of information.
Out of its Coral Gables, Fla., tournament headquarters, the FIFA Safety and Security Operations Center issued a daily security rundown across 16 cities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
The B.C. NDP government said before the tournament that $242 million was budgeted for security at the seven matches at B.C. Place Stadium, two training sites and the tournament-long FIFA Fan Festival on the PNE grounds.
On the Granville Mall in Vancouver, after the June 21 Egypt win over New Zealand. (Reader submission.)
June 14
Australia versus Turkey in Vancouver on June 13: One individual attempted to climb an outer fence, fell and was transported to hospital; the individual was reported stable.
Red and white smoke devices were used by Turkey supporters during the march to the stadium.
Vancouver Killarney training visibility: A nearby residence appeared to film team training and post it online; the issue is being addressed with the host city.
June 15
Unauthorized access attempt at Team Canada base camp hotel [Westin Bayshore].
A suspicious male attempted to enter a controlled space after exiting a public garden area and claimed to be a hotel guest but could not provide a valid room number. Security denied access and reported the incident to site leadership and the [team security liaison officer]; Vancouver Police monitored the interaction and determined no intervention was required.
June 17
Fan activity increased around Team Canada’s hotel in Vancouver, including repeated player approaches; fans were moved along when players paused interactions.
June 18
Qatari paramilitary officers under RCMP escort outside B.C. Place Stadium after the June 18 match against Canada in B.C. Place Stadium. (Mackin)
Islamic State publication calls for attacks targeting FIFA World Cup in the U.S.
The terrorist groups propaganda publication referenced the FIFA World Cup and encouraged attacks near street gatherings and stadiums in 11 U.S. cities.
The publication referenced fire-setting as a potential tactic. The article framed the tournament in ideological terms and sought to encourage lone-actor violence and extremist amplification.
The article displayed crosshairs over the World Cup trophy, but “the article does not mention Canada or Mexico.”
This was the second observed World Cup reference by IS or IS-aligned groups during the tournament period, following a June 1 mention.
June 19
Canada versus Qatar in Vancouver on June 18: Two males breached fencing and were caught by security with police support before eviction.
Two general admission-ticket guests breached a Hospitality Lounge and were quickly stopped and evicted oversized bags and unauthorized flags or banners were stopped at entry, and the flags-and- banners process remained effective.
Traffic congestion was reported near B.C. Place due to a fire in Stanley Park, approximately 2.6 kilometres from the stadium.
Seven evictions were reported, including two turnstile-breach subjects, two hospitality-area breach subjects and three seat-dispute subjects. No denial-of-entry incidents or arrests were reported.
Fan behaviour was positive from ingress to egress, with no pitch invasion, discriminatory conduct, pyrotechnics, hostile acts, object throwing, or team misconduct reported.
Vancouver Qatar Hotel Movement: A hotel lobby was opened before the Qatar team departed, allowing guests near the team movement area. The issue was corrected, and added lobby coverage will be used for future movements.
June 20
The June 18 March to the Match before Canada beat Qatar 6-0. (Mackin)
Team Egypt hotel crowd in Vancouver: Large crowds gathered at the Hyatt Regency to see Team Egypt, prompting additional police support.
June 21
More large crowds at the Egypt team hotel — inside and outside — requiring additional police and security support. Hotel and security teams adjusted lobby management, added barriers, increased patrols and continued addressing repeated fan attempts to access restricted accommodation areas.
June 22
New Zealand versus Egypt in Vancouver on June 21: Two denials of entry and five evictions were reported, primarily related to oversized items, intoxication, code-of-conduct issues, and one reported assault.
An unauthorized drone was observed near the venue and grounded by police.
One report of discriminatory language was received, but responding staff did not verify repeated behaviour or identify the individual involved.
Two smoke devices were ignited in the stadium bowl. Two individuals were removed by police and security, and a third unspent device was safely handled by fire services.
A large supporter crowd gathered at Egypt’s team hotel following the match. Police and security supported crowd management and hotel common areas remained congested for an extended period.
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