FIFA Dismisses Proposal for Italy to Replace Iran at World Cup
Sources indicate that FIFA has no plans to substitute Iran with Italy at this summer’s World Cup. This follows a proposal made by US President Donald Trump’s special envoy.
Uncertainty Surrounds Iran’s Participation
There has been ongoing uncertainty regarding Iran’s involvement in the tournament due to the geopolitical situation involving the US and Israel.
US special envoy Paolo Zampolli confirmed to the Financial Times, “I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup.” Zampolli, an Italian native, expressed his dream of seeing the Azzurri, with their four titles, participate in a US-hosted tournament, citing their pedigree as justification for inclusion.
FIFA President Confirms Iran’s Attendance
While FIFA did not officially comment on Zampolli’s suggestion, they highlighted a previous statement by FIFA President Gianni Infantino last week, who unequivocally stated, “The Iranian team is coming, for sure.”
The Financial Times reported that Zampolli’s plan was also intended to improve relations between the US and Italy, after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had criticized Trump’s remarks concerning Pope Leo XIV.
Italy’s Qualification Struggles
Four-time champions Italy have failed to qualify for their third consecutive World Cup, having been defeated by Bosnia and Herzegovina in a qualification play-off last month.
Iran’s World Cup Schedule
Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, respectively, followed by a match against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The tournament itself commences on June 11 and is co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
FIFA’s Discretion on Team Replacements
Under FIFA regulations, the global governing body holds “sole discretion” regarding actions taken if a team withdraws or is excluded from the competition. Article six of its World Cup regulations states, “FIFA may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another association.”
Infantino Emphasizes Sports Beyond Politics
Speaking in Washington last week, Gianni Infantino remarked, “We hope that by then the situation will be a peaceful (one). 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.“
In March, following a visit to Iran’s team in Turkey, Infantino reaffirmed that their games would proceed in the US as scheduled, despite the Iranian football federation’s earlier “negotiations” with FIFA to relocate the matches to Mexico.
Iran’s Preparedness Confirmed
Al Jazeera reported on Wednesday that government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani confirmed Iran was “fully prepared” to participate in the tournament.
Zampolli had previously made a similar request to FIFA for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar during his tenure as a United Nations ambassador.
In March, Iran had initially stated it would not participate in the tournament, citing safety concerns following US and Israeli air strikes.
Former President Trump had previously indicated that Iran would be “welcome” at the World Cup, although he also suggested they should not be involved “for their own life and safety.”
The White House World Cup Taskforce has been contacted for comment.
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