Italy Says World Cup Place Must Be Earned, Rejects Iran Replacement Proposal

Italy has pushed back against calls for its national team to replace Iran at the World Cup, after a reported proposal was made to FIFA by an envoy to US President Donald Trump.

Paolo Zampolli, a US special envoy, told the Financial Times that it would be a “dream” to see Italy—four-time world champions—compete in the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, despite their failure to qualify after a playoff defeat last month.

Italy’s sports minister Andrea Abodi firmly rejected the idea, insisting that World Cup participation must be earned through qualification.

According to ANSA and AGI, Abodi said on Thursday that a reinstatement of Italy “first, is not possible; second, is not appropriate, you qualify on the pitch.”

Luciano Buonfiglio, head of Italy’s Olympic Committee, also criticised the suggestion.

“I would feel offended. You have to earn your place in the World Cup,” he said.

The Iranian embassy in Rome condemned the proposal, accusing the US of “moral bankruptcy” and rejecting the idea that Italy needed political intervention to prove its football status.

“Italy has earned its greatness in football on the pitch, not thanks to political privileges,” the embassy posted on X. “The attempt to exclude Iran from the World Cup only reveals the ‘moral bankruptcy’ of the United States, which is afraid even of the presence of eleven young Iranians on the field of play.”

The Financial Times reported that the proposal was part of broader diplomatic efforts to improve relations between Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following tensions over Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV regarding the Iran conflict.

Zampolli confirmed making the suggestion, saying: “I confirm I have suggested to Trump and (FIFA President Gianni) 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.”

Italy, a four-time World Cup winner, missed qualification for the third straight time after losing a penalty shootout to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoff final.

Iran’s participation has meanwhile been complicated by tensions linked to the war with the US and Israel, which began on February 28. The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) said in April it was “negotiating” with FIFA about relocating its matches from the US to Mexico.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has, however, insisted Iran will compete as planned, stating they will play “where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.” He reiterated the position during a recent visit to Washington. FIFA referred questions on Zampolli’s remarks back to Infantino’s comments.

Zampolli, an Italian-American businessman and modelling agency founder, previously made a similar proposal in 2022 suggesting Italy replace Iran at the Qatar World Cup, which was rejected.

Africans Angle News