An envoy of Donald Trump, Paolo Zampolli, continues to stand by his proposal to FIFA regarding the possibility of Italy replacing Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Concerns Over the Conflict
Zampolli said his proposal is driven by concerns over the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which he believes could affect the country’s participation—particularly due to visa complications and potential restrictions on Iranian nationals imposed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
He added that as long as uncertainty remains, the possibility of Italy being called up as a replacement cannot be ruled out.
Persisting Despite Rejection
Zampolli emphasized that the proposal is intended as a precautionary measure in case Iran is unable to participate at short notice, citing security concerns for teams, officials, and supporters.
The proposal was first put forward on April 22, 2026, and was reportedly submitted directly to FIFA. He reiterated the idea in a recent statement, considering that the situation still requires contingency planning.
However, FIFA has rejected the proposal. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that football must remain separate from politics and reaffirmed that Iran is a legitimate participant in the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, the United States government has said it does not oppose Iran’s participation, while acknowledging certain security concerns.
Italy Firmly Rejects the Idea
Italian officials have strongly dismissed the proposal. Italy’s Minister for Sport, Andrea Abodi, described the idea as “impossible” and “inappropriate,” emphasizing that World Cup qualification must be earned on the pitch.
A similar stance was expressed by the President of the Italian National Olympic Committee, Luciano Buonfiglio, who said the proposal undermines the principles of fair competition and that participation in the World Cup should be based solely on sporting merit.
Iran Ready for 2026 World Cup Participation
Iran has reaffirmed its readiness to compete in the 2026 World Cup despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The statement was delivered by government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani via state broadcaster IRIB.
She added that preparations for Team Melli are ongoing under the direction of the Ministry of Sports, with a focus on ensuring the necessary facilities are in place to support the team’s performance at the tournament.
Despite the controversy, preparations for the 2026 World Cup move forward with Iran firmly in place among the qualified nations.
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