FIFA has no plans to swap Iran with Italy at this summer’s World Cup after the idea was floated by a special envoy to Donald Trump.
NOP NIGERIA reports that uncertainty has surrounded Iran’s involvement because of the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel. But football’s governing body has privately made clear the team remains part of the tournament, according to a BBC report.
US special envoy Paolo Zampolli told Financial Times: “I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup.
“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.”
FIFA declined to comment directly but pointed to remarks made last week by its president Gianni Infantino, who said: “The Iranian team is coming, for sure.”
The newspaper reported the proposal was partly intended to ease tensions between Washington and Rome after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticised Trump over remarks about Pope Leo XIV.
Italy, four-time champions, will miss a third straight World Cup after losing their play-off to Bosnia and Herzegovina last month.
Iran’s group fixtures are scheduled against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June, before facing Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
The tournament kicks off on 11 June and is being staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Under FIFA regulations, the governing body holds sole discretion if a team withdraws or is excluded, including the right to appoint a replacement.
Speaking in Washington last week, Infantino said: “We hope that by then the situation will be peaceful. That would definitely help. But Iran has to come if they are to represent their people. They have qualified, and they’re actually quite a good team as well. They really want to play, and they should play. Sports should be outside of politics.”
After visiting Iran’s squad in Turkey in March, Infantino confirmed the matches would go ahead in the US despite earlier discussions about moving fixtures to Mexico.
On Wednesday, Al Jazeera reported that government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said Iran was “fully prepared” to take part.
Zampolli previously made a similar approach before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar while serving as a United Nations ambassador.
Iran briefly said in March it would not participate, citing safety fears following US and Israeli air strikes. Trump later said the country would be “welcome” at the tournament but suggested they might avoid it “for their own life and safety”.
