The Financial Times reported Tuesday (local time) that Trump envoy Paolo Zampolli proposed to President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that “Italy should be put in the World Cup instead of Iran.” Zampolli told the FT, “I’m Italian, and I want to see the Azzurri at a tournament hosted by the United States,” adding that Italy is “a team worthy of four World Cup titles.”
The FT said the idea also appeared aimed at repairing ties between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Reuters, citing the FT, reported the two had fallen out over the Iran war and Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV.
The chances of the proposal being adopted remain unclear. Reuters said the White House, FIFA, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) did not immediately respond to questions. Iran, meanwhile, reiterated it is ready to participate. The FT reported Iran issued a statement Tuesday reaffirming its intention to play, and Anadolu Agency said an Iranian government spokesperson told state broadcaster IRIB, “We have completed the necessary preparations.”
Infantino has also treated Iran’s participation as a given. In a CNBC interview, he said, “Iran must come,” adding that “sport must be outside politics.” Iran is scheduled to play three group-stage matches in the United States. It previously discussed with FIFA moving the venue to Mexico instead of the United States, but that was not accepted.
Italy has not qualified. Last month, it lost 4-1 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff final, missing the World Cup finals for a third straight time.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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