Italy’s stance on Donald Trump ally’s World Cup plan to replace Iran | Football | Sport
Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi said it was neither right nor possible to replace Iran with a four-time World Cup champion. The politician rejected the proposal reported by the US special representative for global partnerships, Paolo Zampolli.
The close ally of US President Donald Trump claims he suggested the swap to him and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. However, football’s governing body insists Iran will join North America this summer despite being at war with the host country.
Abodi said Sky News: “US President says there is a possibility that Italy will re-qualify for the 2026 World Cup” Donald TrumpIt was reported that, firstly, it was not possible and secondly, it was not suitable for Paolo Zampolli, the ambassador of , to make an offer to FIFA. I don’t know what came first. The ranking is on the field.”
Zampolli made his offer public Finance Times. He said: “I confirm that I made an offer to Trump and [FIFA president Gianni] Infantino chooses Italy over Iran in the World Cup. I am Italian and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri in a tournament hosted by the USA. “With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”
But Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj insists the country is determined to participate. “Based on the current circumstances, we also agree,” he told the Iranian Student News Agency.
Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohejerani also told state television: “The Ministry of Youth and Sports, by order of the minister, made an announcement that our national football team is fully prepared to participate in the 2026 World Cup in the USA.”
Infantino likewise believes that Iran should compete and does not rule out their participation. He told CNBC: “The Iranian team is coming, of course. We hope the situation will be peaceful by then. That would definitely help.”
“But if Iran is to represent its people, it has to come; they have qualified, the players want to play. Sport should be outside of politics… they really want to play and they should.”
But Trump has previously raised doubts about their safety in the United States. “Iran National Football Team is invited to the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate for them to be there for their own lives and safety,” he said on Truth Social.
