Fifa has no plans to substitute Iran with Italy at this summer time’s World Cup in accordance to sources, after the switch was proposed by US president Donald Trump’s particular envoy.
There has been ongoing uncertainty over Iran’s participation within the match due to the struggle with US and Israel.
US particular envoy Paolo Zampolli told the Financial Times:, external “I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup.
“I’m an Italian native and it could be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted match. With 4 titles, they’ve the pedigree to justify inclusion.”
Fifa did not comment officially on Zampolli’s suggestion but highlighted a statement made by Fifa president Gianni Infantino last week where he said: “The Iranian workforce is coming, for certain.”
When asked about the proposal, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters: “Nothing from the US has advised them they cannot come.
“The problem with Iran would be not their athletes, it would be some of the other people they would want to bring with them, some of whom have ties to the IRGC [Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps].
“We will not be in a position to allow them to in, however not the athletes themselves.”
The Iranian embassy said Zampolli’s suggestion showed “ethical chapter” by the United States.
“Italy has earned its greatness in soccer on the pitch, not thanks to political privileges,” the Iranian embassy mentioned on X.
“The try to exclude Iran from the World Cup solely reveals the ‘ethical chapter’ of the United States, which is afraid even of the presence of 11 younger Iranians on the sector of play.”
The FT reported Zampolli’s plan was suggested to smooth things over between the US and Italy after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticised Trump over his comments towards Pope Leo XIV.
Four-time champions Italy have failed to qualify for their third successive World Cup following a qualification play-off defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina last month.
Iran are due to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June respectively, and Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
The tournament, which begins on 11 June, is being hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.
Under Fifa rules, the world governing body has “sole discretion” on what happens if a team withdraws or is excluded from the competition.
Article six of its World Cup regulations also says: “Fifa could determine to substitute the Participating Member Association in query with one other affiliation.”
Italy’s economy minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said the idea put forward by Zampolli was “shameful”, while the country’s sports minister Andrea Abodi told La Press: “Firstly it isn’t attainable, secondly it isn’t applicable… You qualify on the pitch.”
The Italian Olympic Committee president Luciano Buonfiglio also disagreed with the idea, saying he would feel “offended”.
“In order to go to the World Cup, you’ve got to earn it,” Buonfiglio added.
