BBC 'spend big on RIOT TRAINING' for World Cup staff as Donald Trump protests staged

The BBC will pay up to £750 for each staff member who is going to this summer's World Cup to undertake 'riot training.' This summer's competition in the United States of America, Mexico and Canada begins on June 11 and finishes with the World Cup final on July 29. However, the tournament will take place amid a volatile political climate, particularly in the USA and Mexico. This week, there have been 'May Day' anti-President Donald Trump protests across the States , while various Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids throughout 2026 have also been received with hostility from residents. In addition, there was also mass conflict in Mexico after drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, who was better known as 'El Mencho,' was killed during a security operation . As these kind of events continue to cloud the excitement around the competition, the BBC are investing thousands to ensure their staff on the ground will be prepared for any and all kinds of scenarios. According to the Telegraph , the BBC have ordered the employees who are flying across the Atlantic for the competition to undergo a mandatory 'public order' course and 'riot training'. It's understood the training may even see employees be splattered with fake blood, as various scenarios are role-played. The likely bill has been tipped to extend into the tens of thousands. Moreover, ITV , who will also be broadcasting World Cup matches, are also believed to be sending their respective staff members on a similar course. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page These training sessions were also arranged for BBC staff before the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. At present, it's unknown as to whether these courses were arranged for staff for the 2014 competition in Brazil, the 2018 tournament in Russia and the recent games in Qatar in 2022. The political climates of all countries involved in this summer's competition have dominated the build-up to the first ever 48-nation competition. Amnesty International, in conjunction with many other US civil and human rights groups, recently released a 'World Cup' travel advisory for spectators and reporters attending the tournament. Amnesty International claimed they released the substantial document "in light of the deteriorating human rights situation in the United States and in the absence of meaningful action and concrete guarantees from FIFA, host cities, or the U.S. government." They also pointed to the huge immigration detainment raids in Los Angeles, Chicago and Minneapolis which resulted in violent exchanges with the public and enforcement officials, which saw Renee Good and Alex Pretti be shot and killed by ICE officers in Minnesota, while Ruben Ray Martinez, Keith Porter, and Silverio Villegas González were also shot and killed by ICE. Geoff Freeman, president & CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, did respond by claiming many of the concerns outlined have been blown out of proportion, stating: "The notion that visiting America poses a meaningful safety risk is not a good-faith warning, it's a political tactic designed to cause economic harm." FIFA also responded by saying: "FIFA is committed to respecting all internationally recognized human rights and shall strive to promote the protection of these rights." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.