An envoy of United States (US) President Donald Trump has reportedly asked International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup.
According to the Financial Times, the plan is said to be an effort to repair ties between Trump and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after the two had a fall out over Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV over the war in Iran.
Iranian Government Spokesperson said the country’s institutions were fully prepared for their team’s participation in the soccer showpiece co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.
Italy failed to qualify for the tournament, losing a critical play-off to Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 31 and the US effort to replace Iran appears highly unlikely given Tehran’s willingness to participate.
Iran said its Ministry of Youth and Sports had made all the necessary arrangements for the effective participation of the team in the World Cup.
Iran will play its group matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
FT quoted envoy Paola Zampolli confirming that he suggested to President Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup.
FIFA would have sole discretion on a replacement team were Iran to withdraw.
–Reuters–
