Italy underwhelmed by Trump envoy's suggestion it should replace Iran at World Cup
NBC News • • sports
Key Points:
- The suggestion to replace Iran with Italy at this year’s World Cup, made by U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli, was met with embarrassment and apathy from Italian fans and officials, who emphasized that qualification must be earned on the pitch.
- Italian sports and government figures, including Sports Minister Andrea Abodi and Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti, dismissed the idea as impossible and inappropriate, with some calling it "shameful."
- FIFA confirmed Iran’s participation, with President Gianni Infantino stating that sport should be kept separate from politics and that Iran is expected to compete as planned despite the ongoing war and Iran’s request to move matches from the U.S. to Mexico being denied.
- Iran qualified for the World Cup for the fourth consecutive time, while Italy failed to qualify after losing in a playoff; in the event of Iran’s exclusion, FIFA would decide on a replacement, likely favoring an Asian team such as the United Arab Emirates.
- The World Cup begins on June 11, with Iran scheduled to play New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, and there is currently no indication that Iran will withdraw or be banned from the tournament.
