FIFA don tok say dem no get any plan to replace Iran with Italy for this summer World Cup, according to sources. Dis one come after US President Donald Trump special envoy propose di switch.
There be ongoing uncertainty over Iran participation for di tournament because of di war with US and Israel.
US special envoy Paolo Zampolli tell di Financial Times say: “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 no officially comment on Zampolli suggestion but highlight statement wey FIFA president Gianni Infantino make last week where he say: “The Iranian team is coming, for sure.”
Di Iranian embassy say Zampolli suggestion show “moral bankruptcy” by United States. “Italy has earned its greatness in football on the pitch, not thanks to political privileges,” di Iranian embassy write for X. “The attempt to exclude Iran from the World Cup only reveals the ‘moral bankruptcy’ of the United States, which is afraid even of the presence of eleven young Iranians on the field of play.”
Di FT report say Zampolli plan na to smooth things between US and Italy after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticise Trump over im comments towards Pope Leo XIV.
Four-time champions Italy no qualify for dia third consecutive World Cup after dem lose qualification play-off to Bosnia and Herzegovina last month.
Iran go face New Zealand and Belgium for Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June respectively, and Egypt for Seattle on 26 June. Di tournament begin on 11 June, and na US, Canada and Mexico dey host am.
Under FIFA rules, di world governing body get “sole discretion” on wetin go happen if a team withdraw or dem exclude am from di competition. Article six of dia World Cup regulations say: “FIFA may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another association.”
Italy economy minister Giancarlo Giorgetti call di idea “shameful,” while sports minister Andrea Abodi tell La Press: “Firstly it is not possible, secondly it is not appropriate. You qualify on the pitch.”
Di Italian Olympic Committee president Luciano Buonfiglio also disagree with di idea, say im go feel “offended.” “In order to go to the World Cup, you have to earn it,” Buonfiglio add.
Speaking last week for Washington, Infantino say: “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.”
For March, after visit to Iran team for Turkey, Infantino confirm dia games go play for US as scheduled, after Iranian football federation say dem dey “negotiating” with FIFA to relocate dia matches to Mexico.
On Wednesday, Al Jazeera report government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani say Iran “fully prepared” to participate for di tournament.
Zampolli make similar request to FIFA for di 2022 World Cup for Qatar when im be United Nations ambassador.
For March, Iran say dem no go take part for di tournament, citing safety concerns after US and Israeli air strikes. Trump don previously say Iran go be “welcome” for World Cup—though im signal say dem no suppose involve “for their own life and safety.”
Di White House World Cup Taskforce no comment.
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