A U.S. envoy to President Donald Trump has reportedly asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the FIFA World Cup. The proposal is described as an effort to repair ties between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Their relationship got strained after the US president’s criticism of Pope Leo over the Iran war.

U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli confirmed that he raised the idea directly with Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “I confirm I have suggested to Trump and (FIFA president Gianni) 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 stated via Financial Times.

This comes after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup in March. The four-time champions lost 4-1 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoff final. It was the third consecutive time Italy missed the tournament. Iran, meanwhile, qualified for a fourth straight World Cup last year. Following the outbreak of war, Iran requested that FIFA move its three group matches from the United States to Mexico.

Furthermore, the FIFA President visited an Iranian squad training camp in Turkey last month. He said all matches would proceed as scheduled. Iranian football federation President Mehdi Taj told reporters in Tehran, “We are preparing and making arrangements for the World Cup, but we are obedient to the decisions of the authorities. For now, the decision is for the national team to be fully prepared for the World Cup” (via Reuters).

Under Article Six of the World Cup regulations, FIFA may select any nation to fill a vacancy if a team withdraws. For now, the White House, FIFA, the Italian Football Federation, and the Asian Football Confederation have not confirmed if the report is true.

Originally reported by Devanshi Basu for Mandatory.

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