US EditionItaly 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.
74 Articles
74 Articles
Football fans not enthused by suggestion of Iran-Italy swap
MILAN: The suggestion that Iran should be replaced by Italy at this year’s World Cup drew a mix of embarrassment and apathy from fans of Italy’s national football team on Thursday, with the Italian media reminding readers that the idea has a very familiar feel. Donald Trump’s US special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the Financial Times that he made the suggestion to the US president and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “I’m an Italian native and it …
Widespread political and sporting opposition in Italy to the proposal to replace Iran in the 2026 World Cup
The proposal put forward by Paolo Zamboli, an envoy linked to US President Donald Trump, to replace the Iranian national team with their Italian counterparts in the 2026 World Cup finals, has been met with widespread rejection and clear mockery within Italian political and sporting circles, amid assurances that qualification is not granted by political decisions. The idea emerged against a backdrop of escalating political tensions resulting from…
Santa New Mexican
Italy dismisses replacing Iran at World Cup after suggestion by Trump official
Four-time champion Italy is not interested in replacing Iran at the upcoming World Cup in North America following a suggestion to that effect by U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli.
U.S. Special Envoy Paolo Zampolli asked the FIFA president to replace Iran with the Italian selection at the 2026 World Football Championship. Tehran said that his team was not ready to give up its place. Italian officials also ruled out a draft on Thursday. - "This would not be appropriate": Italy will not replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup (Sports).
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
