A senior envoy to Donald Trump has proposed that Fifa replace Iran with Italy at the upcoming World Cup.
The suggestion is reportedly part of an effort to mend relations between Trump and Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, following tensions sparked by the US president’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV over the Iran conflict, according to the Financial Times.
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“I can confirm that I have suggested to Trump and Fifa president Gianni Infantino that Italy take Iran’s place at the World Cup,” US special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the Financial Times. “As an Italian native, it would be a dream to see the Azzurri competing in a tournament hosted by the United States. With four titles, they have the history and stature to warrant inclusion.”
In March, Italy missed out on World Cup qualification for the third consecutive time after a penalty shoot-out defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their play-off final.
Italy suffered World Cup play-off heartbreak in March – Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Iran said they would decide whether to participate in the tournament only after receiving clarification from Fifa on the possibility of relocating their matches from the US to Mexico.
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Iranian officials said in March that the country would not participate following the airstrikes by the US and Israel, citing safety concerns for their players travelling to the US. However, earlier this month they said they will make a decision only after receiving clarification from Fifa whether it is possible to relocate their matches from the US to Mexico.
Trump has previously said that the Iranian national team are “welcome” despite the conflict but has also said they would be taking a risk entering the US.
In a press conference in Washington last week, Infantino said: “The Iranian team is coming, for sure. We hope that by then, of course, 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 . . . They really want to play, and they should play.”
Iran qualified for the tournament as one of eight teams from the Asian Football Confederation.