Italian officials have condemned a proposal from U.S. envoy Paolo Zampolli for the Azzuri to replace Iran at the FIFA World Cup. Despite not qualifying, Italy rejects the idea of special entry at Iran's expense.
Key points
Italian officials reject proposal for Azzuri to replace Iran
Proposal made by U.S. envoy Paolo Zampolli
Italy did not qualify for the World Cup
World Cup to be held in America, Mexico, and Canada
Officials call the proposal 'shameful'
Mentioned in this story
AmericaMexicoCanada
AzzuriIran
A view of the Italian national team's badge at the San Siro
A proposal for the Azzuri to take Iran's place at the upcoming FIFA World Cup has not gone down well in Italy -Credit:Mattia Ozbot - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
(Mattia Ozbot - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
The Italian national team may have failed to qualify for this summerâs FIFA World Cup, but it appears that officials have absolutely no desire to be granted special entry at Iranâs expense.
âI confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,â Zampolli said. âI'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.â
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U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli during a visit to Belgrade
U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli made the proposal to both President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino -Credit:OLIVER BUNIC / AFP via Getty Images
It was also claimed in the report that this proposal also served as a somewhat thinly veiled attempt to ease tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as per sources.
Relations between the two have soured of late following Trumpâs heavy criticism of Pope Leo XIV, who has spoken out against both the current administrationâs handling of immigrants as well as the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran, which has been going on since late February.
Meloni, an outspoken Catholic, saw Trumpâs comments as âunacceptable,â which prompted him to fire back, suggesting that she was the one who was âunacceptableâ and âno longer the same person,â as per DW.
Zampolliâs proposal was quickly rebuffed by FIFA, via The Mirror, with Italian officials similarly wasting no time in turning down the suggestion.
âFirst of all, itâs not possible. Secondly, itâs not a good idea,â said Sports Minister Andrea Abodi, according to AP.
Meanwhile, the Italian Olympic Committeeâs President, Luciano Buonfiglio, said he âwould feel offended,â adding, âYou need to deserve to go to the World Cup.â
The proposal was even labeled âshamefulâ by Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti.
Given the opportunity to explain his stance further on Thursday by AP, Zampolli said his ârequest is not a political request.â He explained that, on Wednesday, it was put to both Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino as a backup plan should Iran ultimately opt against participating.
Iran has yet to formally confirm that it will be participating in the World Cup, amidst the backdrop of the war.
A request had been made by Iran for their games to be moved to Mexico, which, while turned down by Infantino, Iranian Minister for Sport, Ahmad Donyamali, believes remains officially âvalid.â
The Iranian national soccer team sing their national anthem
Iran are set to compete in Group G with New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt -Credit:AFP via Getty Images
Speaking recently with Anadolu, via Reuters, he said, âOur request to FIFA to relocate Iran's games from the U.S. to Mexico is still valid, but we have not yet received a response.
âIf accepted, Iran's participation in the World Cup will be certain. However, FIFA has not yet responded.
âAs the Minister of Sports, together with the Iranian football federation, we will keep the football team ready for the World Cup. However, the final decision will be made by our government.â
On Wednesday, Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj said, via The Mirror, âWe are preparing and making arrangements for the World Cup, but we are obedient to the decisions of the authorities.â
