An envoy for U.S. President Donald Trump is trying to pull off a switch on the pitch, asking FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at this summer’s World Cup.
According to the Financial Times, U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli suggested the move to both FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Trump.
Zampolli, an Italian native, reportedly brought up the idea as part of a plan to repair diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Italy after some recent tensions.
The outlet reported that there has been tension between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after the former’s social media attacks against Pope Leo XIV, as well as the Iran war.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a U.S.-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion,” Zampolli told the Financial Times.
Italy fell short of qualifying for the tournament, losing in a playoff qualifier final to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March. The game came down to a penalty shootout, with the Azzurri falling short and the Balkan nation securing a spot in Group B and date with Canada on June 12.
Will Iran play in the World Cup?
Iran’s involvement in the FIFA World Cup has been questioned since the U.S. and Israel began air strikes on the Gulf nation in March.
However, the Iranian national team issued a statement on Wednesday saying it is prepared and plans to participate in the tournament.
The Italian government also shot down any suggestion of entering the World Cup as a replacement team.
Italian sports minister Andrea Abodi told Sky News on Thursday that “qualification is done on the pitch,” and said it would not be “appropriate” to take Iran’s place.
FIFA also declined to comment on the Financial Times report, pointing to recent statements by Infantino saying that “the Iranian team is coming, for sure.”
The FIFA president also said at a conference in Washington last week that the hope is the conflict will be peacefully resolved by the time the World Cup kicks off next month.
“We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful (one). That would definitely help,” he said. “But Iran has to come if they are to represent their people. They have qualified … They really want to play and they should play.”