The Italian national team may have failed to qualify for this summer’s FIFA World Cup, but it appears that officials have absolutely no desire to be granted special entry at Iran’s expense.
It emerged on Wednesday, via the Financial Times, that U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli was pushing for the Azzuri to take Iran’s place at the upcoming tournament, which will be held across America, Mexico, and Canada.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” Zampolli said. “I'm an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a U.S.-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”
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It was also claimed in the report that this proposal also served as a somewhat thinly veiled attempt to ease tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as per sources.
Relations between the two have soured of late following Trump’s heavy criticism of Pope Leo XIV, who has spoken out against both the current administration’s handling of immigrants as well as the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran, which has been going on since late February.
Meloni, an outspoken Catholic, saw Trump’s comments as “unacceptable,” which prompted him to fire back, suggesting that she was the one who was “unacceptable” and “no longer the same person,” as per DW.
Zampolli’s proposal was quickly rebuffed by FIFA, via The Mirror, with Italian officials similarly wasting no time in turning down the suggestion.
“First of all, it’s not possible. Secondly, it’s not a good idea,” said Sports Minister Andrea Abodi, according to AP.
Meanwhile, the Italian Olympic Committee’s President, Luciano Buonfiglio, said he “would feel offended,” adding, “You need to deserve to go to the World Cup.”
The proposal was even labeled “shameful” by Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti.
Given the opportunity to explain his stance further on Thursday by AP, Zampolli said his “request is not a political request.” He explained that, on Wednesday, it was put to both Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino as a backup plan should Iran ultimately opt against participating.
Iran has yet to formally confirm that it will be participating in the World Cup, amidst the backdrop of the war.
A request had been made by Iran for their games to be moved to Mexico, which, while turned down by Infantino, Iranian Minister for Sport, Ahmad Donyamali, believes remains officially “valid.”
Speaking recently with Anadolu, via Reuters, he said, “Our request to FIFA to relocate Iran's games from the U.S. to Mexico is still valid, but we have not yet received a response.
“If accepted, Iran's participation in the World Cup will be certain. However, FIFA has not yet responded.
“As the Minister of Sports, together with the Iranian football federation, we will keep the football team ready for the World Cup. However, the final decision will be made by our government.”
On Wednesday, Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj said, via The Mirror, “We are preparing and making arrangements for the World Cup, but we are obedient to the decisions of the authorities.”