Key Takeaways
- FIFA insists Iran will play in the 2025 World Cup despite US pressure.
- Trump adviser Paolo Zampolli asked for four-time winners Italy to take Iran’s place.
- Italian leaders and the Iran embassy both slammed the idea as unfair and political.
Football bosses have ruled out swapping Iran for Italy at this year’s World Cup in the United States, after a close ally of President Donald Trump floated the switch.
Paolo Zampolli, Trump’s special envoy and an Italian businessman, told the Financial Times he had urged both the White House and FIFA president Gianni Infantino to hand Iran’s slot to the Azzurri. He argued that Italy’s four world titles make them worthy late entrants.
FIFA did not issue a fresh statement, but pointed to remarks Infantino made last week: “The Iranian team is coming, for sure.” The governing body’s rules give it “sole discretion” to replace any country that withdraws, yet no such move is on the table.
Iran’s embassy hit back on social media, branding the proposal “moral bankruptcy” and adding, “Italy earned its fame on the pitch, not through political favours.”
Italian leaders also rejected the plan. Sports minister Andrea Abodi said, “You qualify on the pitch,” while economy minister Giancarlo Giorgetti called the idea “shameful.” Luciano Buonfiglio, head of the Italian Olympic Committee, said he would feel “offended” by a back-door entry.
Iran booked their place last year and will open their Group D campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June, followed by Belgium and Egypt. The tournament kicks off on 11 June across the US, Canada and Mexico.
Infantino repeated that sport and politics should stay apart. “Iran qualified fairly,” he said. “They want to play and they should play.”
