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Italy dismisses replacing Iran at the World Cup after suggestion by Trump official
Italian officials said qualification must be earned on the pitch and rejected the idea as impossible and inappropriate, with FIFA saying Iran will play for sure.
- US special envoy Paolo Zampolli suggested Italy replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup, calling it a "dream" to see the Azzurri compete, but Italian officials roundly rejected the proposal.
- The suggestion followed a diplomatic rift between United States President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, after Trump called Meloni "unacceptable" regarding her stance on the Iran war.
- Sports Minister Andrea Abodi told Sky News that re-qualification is "not possible" and "not appropriate," insisting that "qualification is done on the pitch." Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said he "would be ashamed."
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated last week that Iran "for sure" will compete, and on Wednesday, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohejerani confirmed the team is preparing for "proud and successful participation."
- Under FIFA rules, the governing body maintains "sole discretion" over replacement teams; meanwhile, the Iranian football federation is "negotiating" with FIFA to relocate matches to Mexico from the United States.
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According to a survey conducted by Izi, the majority of Italians are against the assumption that the national team will take the place of Iran. Among the minority that hopes there is a good percentage of young people
·Turin, Italy
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Luciano Buonfiglio, president of the Italian Olympic Committee, says their national team does not deserve to compete in the summer World Cup instead of the Iranian team.
·Budapest, Hungary
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The European team spoke out about the idea that emerged in the environment of President Donald Trump and that was transmitted to FIFA.
·Chile
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Total News Sources97
Leaning Left21Leaning Right12Center20Last UpdatedBias Distribution39% Left
Bias Distribution
- 39% of the sources lean Left
39% Left
L 39%
C 38%
R 23%
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