Donald Trump’s special envoy Paolo Zampolli suggested that FIFA switch Iran for Italy at this summer’s World Cup, but FIFA has no plans to do so.
Zampolli, who is from Italy, said he suggested the switch to both Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. He said Italy’s four World Cup titles were a good reason for the change. It was also said that the idea was brought up to help ease tensions between the US and Italy after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticised Trump for comments he made about Pope Leo XIV.
Infantino, on the other hand, made FIFA’s position clear last week: “The Iranian team is definitely coming.” Iran has made it to the tournament and will play in Los Angeles and Seattle in June.
The proposal was met with strong criticism from all sides. The Iranian embassy said it showed that the US was “morally bankrupt.” The Italian government was just as dismissive, with the country’s sports minister saying it wasn’t possible or appropriate and adding, “You qualify on the pitch.” Italy didn’t make it to the tournament because they lost a play-off to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The US, Canada, and Mexico will host the World Cup, which starts on June 11.
