A special envoy to US President Donald Trump has called for replacing Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.
The newspaper, citing remarks by Paolo Zampolli, said he wanted Iran's team to be replaced by four-time world champions Italy, who failed to qualify for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
"I confirm I have suggested to Trump and [FIFA president Gianni] Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup," Zampolli was quoted as saying.
"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," he said.
The move is reportedly aimed at repairing strained ties between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The two leaders have recently traded criticism following Trump's attacks on Pope Leo XIV.
Iran's participation in the World Cup in June-July has been thrown into doubt in recent weeks because of the war with the US.
Infantino last week reaffirmed that Iran would take part in the tournament, telling US news outlet CNBC: "The Iranian team is coming for sure." He stressed the importance of the country's participation in the World Cup.
"Football belongs to the people, not to politicians. Italy has achieved the greatness of football on the field, not thanks to political rents. The attempt to exclude Iran from the World Cup only shows the 'moral bankruptcy' of the United States, which even fear the presence of 11 young Iranians on the playing field," it posted on X.
There were also negative reactions from Italy. According to the Italian news agency ANSA, Sports Minister Andrea Abodi said: "This is inappropriate; you qualify on the field." Such action by the world governing body FIFA is not possible.
The president of the National Olympic Committee (CONI), Luciano Buonfiglio, expressed a similar view: “I would be offended. You have to earn your place in the World Cup.”
Iran's three group matches against Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt are scheduled in Seattle and Los Angeles. FIFA rejected Iran's request to move the matches to Mexico.
The tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico begin on June 11 and run until July 19.