BY OGUNYEMI ELIZABETH MODUPE
Football’s governing body is not considering substituting the Asian nation’s place with Italy at this summer’s tournament, according to sources, despite a proposal raised by a US presidential envoy that has drawn mixed reactions.
The idea emerged amid ongoing uncertainty over Iran’s participation due to the conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel, although there is currently no indication that Iran will withdraw or be excluded.
United States special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the Financial Times, “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.”
Zampolli, an Italian-American serving as US President Donald Trump‘s envoy for ‘Global Partnership’ and with no official role in FIFA or Italian football, reportedly floated the idea in a broader diplomatic context involving relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following tensions linked to US comments on the Iran conflict.
FIFA did not formally comment on the proposal but referred to earlier remarks by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who said, “The Iranian team is coming, for sure.”
He also said in a separate address, “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.”
Under FIFA rules, the governing body retains ‘sole discretion’ if a team withdraws or is excluded, and Article 6 of its World Cup regulations states, “Fifa may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another association.”
However, the suggestion of Italy stepping in was quickly dismissed in Rome. Sports Minister Andrea Abodi told La Presse, “Firstly it is not possible, secondly it is not appropriate … You qualify on the pitch.”
Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti went further, calling the idea ‘shameful’.
Former Italy coach Gianni De Biasi also questioned the proposal, telling Reuters it would be more logical for any replacement to come from the same qualification pathway, “Furthermore, I believe Italy doesn’t need Trump’s support on an issue like this. I think we can manage on our own.”
Italian media largely treated the proposal with scepticism or indifference, noting that Italy national football team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup after losing a play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Iran national football team are scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June, followed by Egypt in Seattle on 26 June. Iran reportedly sought to move its matches to Mexico due to security concerns, but FIFA rejected the request.
Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj said, “We are preparing and making arrangements for the World Cup, but we are obedient to the decisions of the authorities,” adding, “For now, the decision is for the national team to be fully prepared for the World Cup”.
On Wednesday, Iran’s government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said the country was ‘fully prepared’ to participate.
Zampolli has previously made similar suggestions, including ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when he wrote to FIFA arguing that Iran should be disqualified and replaced by Italy. That request was not acted upon, and Iran ultimately competed. In that tournament, Iran exited in the group stage after losses to England and the United States and a win over Wales.
The White House, the Italian Football Federation, and the Asian Football Confederation have not commented on the latest proposal. If any team were to be excluded, FIFA would ultimately decide how to fill the vacancy under its regulations.
