A controversial suggestion to replace Iran with Italy at this year’s FIFA World Cup has sparked confusion and criticism, particularly in Italy. The idea, reportedly raised by Trump’s envoy Paolo Zampolli in discussions involving the US President and Gianni Infantino, has been widely dismissed as unrealistic and inappropriate.
Italian officials and football figures have stressed that World Cup qualification must be earned on merit, while FIFA has reiterated its commitment to keeping politics out of the sport.
The proposal to replace Iran with Italy at this year’s World Cup has been met with a mix of indifference and embarrassment among Italian fans and media.
Zampolli argued that Italy’s historic success, including four World Cup titles, justified their inclusion.
However, Italian officials quickly dismissed the notion. Sports Minister Andrea Abodi said that such a move was both impossible and inappropriate, emphasizing that qualification must be earned on the field.
Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti called the suggestion “shameful.” Coach Gianni De Biasi also rejected the idea, noting that any replacement for Iran would logically come from its own qualifying group.
FIFA has reaffirmed Iran’s participation, with Infantino stressing that sport should remain separate from politics. Iran has already qualified and continues preparations despite geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, Italy failed to qualify after losing in the playoffs, marking their third consecutive absence from the tournament.
