As the FIFA World Cup in North America approaches, reporting from SportBible and La Gazzetta dello Sport has fueled discussion around Iran’s participation in the tournament, with a Trump administration official suggesting Italy could replace the Middle Eastern nation if it withdraws. FIFA, however, has continued to insist that Iran is expected to fulfill its fixtures.
Zampolli pushes Italy proposal
Paolo Zampolli, the United States Special Representative for Global Partnerships, first raised the idea in April. According to SportBible, the Milan-born diplomat said he had personally suggested the proposal to both 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,” Zampolli said. “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.”
Speaking later to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Zampolli argued that FIFA’s rules surrounding replacement teams are insufficient if a qualified nation ultimately does not participate.
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“With Trump’s support, I contacted Infantino because FIFA regulations are flawed in the replacement of a team that doesn’t show up,” he said. “If Iran didn’t participate in the World Cup, Italy — which has won it four times and is the highest-ranked of the excluded teams — would meet the right requirements.”
Italy failed to qualify for the tournament but remains one of the highest-ranked national teams not involved in the competition.
FIFA maintains Iran stance
Despite Zampolli’s comments, FIFA has publicly maintained that Iran will take part in the tournament. Earlier this month, Infantino said: “Iran will play [in] the United States of America.”
According to SportBible, FIFA sources have denied there are any discussions about replacing Iran in the competition.
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Iran’s group-stage matches against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand are currently scheduled to be played in the United States. SportBible also reported that FIFA rejected a request from Iran to move those fixtures to co-host Mexico.
Political tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to hover over the situation. In comments published by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Zampolli questioned how Iranian officials and supporters would be received in the US during the tournament.
“The key issue is understanding what the Iranians have in mind, as they are very difficult to trust,” Zampolli said. “They now say the team will come, but what do we do about those following them, which is not very welcome in the United States, given what is happening? The game is still open.”
SportBible also reported that an Iranian delegation is expected to meet FIFA officials in Switzerland later this month. Iran football chief Mehdi Taj has reportedly requested respect be shown toward the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) if the nation participates.
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The FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, begins on June 11, with Mexico set to face South Africa in the opening match.
Sources: www.sportbible.com, www.gazzetta.it
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