Several top Italian officials have rejected a suggestion from U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli that Italy replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup.
With Iran's place at the tournament still up in the air amid a war with the United States, Zampolli said he had floated the idea of Italy stepping in to U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
"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 U.S.-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion," Zampolli told the Financial Times.
Italy lost on penalty kicks to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their European qualifying playoff on March 31, failing to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time.
According to several top Italian officials, that defeat should be the end of Italy's World Cup hopes.
"Italy's possible re-qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, Paolo Zampolli, has reportedly proposed to FIFA, is firstly not possible, and secondly, not appropriate. I don't know what comes first," Italian sports minister Andrea Abodi told Sky News.
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Luciano Buonfiglio, president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), echoed Abodi's thoughts during an event in Rome.
"First of all, I don't think it's possible," Buonfiglio said. "Second, I'd feel offended. In order to go to the World Cup, you have to earn it."
Per Reuters, Italy's economy minister Giancarlo Giorgetti called the idea "shameful."
If Italy, or any other country, would have a chance to replace Iran at the World Cup, Iran would first have to withdraw from the competition.
But this week, a spokeswoman for the Iranian government said that Iran is "fully prepared" to play at the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Iran was among the first teams to qualify for the World Cup, and is scheduled to play New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Were Iran to opt out of the tournament, FIFA would have broad latitude to select a replacement.
According to Article 6.7 of FIFA’s World Cup regulations: "If any Participating Member Association withdraws and/or is excluded from the FIFA World Cup 26, FIFA shall decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take whatever action is deemed necessary."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Italy slams Trump envoy proposal to replace Iran at World Cup