- FIFA Rejects Proposal To Replace Iran With Italy At World Cup
- Italy suggestion rejected as governing body backs qualified teams
- Tournament to proceed across North America with Iran fixtures confirmed
FIFA has ruled out any plan to replace Iran with Italy at this summer’s FIFA World Cup, despite a proposal reportedly put forward by a special envoy to former United States President Donald Trump.
Uncertainty had surrounded Iran’s participation due to ongoing tensions involving the United States and Israel. However, football’s global governing body has made it clear internally that Iran will remain in the tournament.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to reports, US special envoy Paolo Zampolli suggested that Italy should take Iran’s place at the competition. He said, “I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup.
“I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”
FIFA declined to comment directly on the proposal but pointed to earlier remarks by its president, Gianni Infantino, who stated, “The Iranian team is coming, for sure.”
The report indicated that the suggestion may have been partly aimed at easing diplomatic tensions between Washington and Rome following criticism by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over remarks made by Trump.
Italy, four-time world champions, failed to qualify for the tournament after losing their play-off to Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking a third consecutive absence from the global competition.
Iran, on the other hand, have already secured qualification and are scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and June 21, before taking on Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
The tournament is set to begin on June 11 across host nations the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Under FIFA regulations, the body retains sole authority to determine any replacement if a qualified team withdraws or is excluded.
Speaking previously in Washington, Infantino said, “We hope that by then the situation will be peaceful. That would definitely help. But Iran has to come if they are to represent their people. They have qualified, and they’re actually quite a good team as well. They really want to play, and they should play. Sports should be outside of politics.”
Following a visit to Iran’s squad in Turkey earlier this year, Infantino confirmed that their matches would proceed in the United States, despite earlier considerations of relocating fixtures.
Iran had briefly indicated in March that it might withdraw from the tournament over safety concerns after reported air strikes involving the US and Israel. However, officials later confirmed the country remains fully prepared to participate.
