Italy rejects idea of replacing Iran at World Cup after US official’s suggestion

• Italy rejects idea of replacing Iran at World Cup after US official’s suggestion sparks controversy.

Italian sports authorities have dismissed the idea that Italy could replace Iran at the upcoming World Cup, after the proposal was floated by a Trump administration official in discussions with US President Donald Trump and FIFA leadership.

Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, is not under consideration for any such swap and has made clear it does not support the suggestion.

The controversy emerged after reports that US special envoy for global partnerships Paolo Zampolli raised the idea in conversations involving Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, according to the Financial Times.

Iran still set to compete despite tensions

Iran has not withdrawn from the tournament and continues preparations for the competition, which is scheduled to take place in the United States in June, including matches near Los Angeles and Seattle.

World football governing body FIFA has said all scheduled group-stage matches will proceed as planned, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

US official calls idea a “contingency”

Zampolli told the Associated Press that his proposal was not political, describing it as a contingency plan in case Iran were unable to participate at the last minute.

“I had a dream,” he said, adding that the idea was intended “for the Italian people and the American-Italian community.”

He also argued that Italy’s historic success in the tournament, including four titles, would justify its participation.

Strong rejection from Italy

Italian officials quickly pushed back on the suggestion.

Sports Minister Andrea Abodi said the idea was “not possible” and “not a good idea,” rejecting any notion of political replacement in sporting qualification.

Luciano Buonfiglio, president of the Italian Olympic Committee, said the proposal undermined sporting integrity.

“I would feel offended,” he said. “You need to deserve to go to the World Cup.”

Italy’s finance minister Giancarlo Giorgetti went further, describing the suggestion as “shameful.”

Trump and US officials respond cautiously

Asked at the White House about Iran’s participation, Trump initially downplayed the issue before calling it “an interesting question” and saying he would consider it further.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio later clarified that no decision had been made to exclude Iranian athletes.

“The problem with Iran would be not their athletes, but some of the other people they want to bring,” Rubio said, suggesting concerns over potential security risks linked to entourage members.

He added that while there had been speculation about Iran possibly withdrawing, any replacement scenario would only apply if a team voluntarily dropped out.

Qualification and controversy

Iran was among the first teams to qualify for the tournament and is currently preparing for its World Cup campaign.

Italy, meanwhile, failed to qualify for a third consecutive edition, prompting criticism at home and renewed scrutiny of its national football system.

Despite the political noise, FIFA has reiterated that qualification rules remain unchanged and that teams will compete based on sporting merit.