The US Administration led by Donald Trump is not resisting leaving its mark. With 50 days remaining until the start of the FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the high-ranking US representative in the competition has submitted an official request to FIFA to replace Iran with Italy, as reported by the British newspaper Financial Times.
The request may be untimely as deadlines are approaching for negotiations between the United States and Iran to try to reach a peace agreement to end the war in the Middle East.
But the White House seems to prioritize one type of diplomacy over another or is looking for a new negotiating card in the talks expected to be held in Islamabad (Pakistan). The special envoy of the United States, Paolo Zampolli, has sent a formal request to Gianni Infantino, president of world football’s governing body, FIFA; and to the president of the United States, Donald Trump, as co-host of the tournament, in which he proposes re-engaging Italy in the competition in place of Iran, arguing that a team with four world titles in history, like the Italian one, cannot remain outside the planet’s biggest sporting spectacle.
Sources close to Zampolli acknowledge that the initiative seeks to mend relations between Washington and Rome, which have deteriorated after Trump’s recent comments about Pope Leo XIV and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s stance on the Iran war, according to the Financial Times.
“I confirm that I have suggested to Trump and (FIFA President, Gianni) Infantino that Italy replace Iran in the World Cup. I am Italian and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri in a tournament organized by the United States. With four titles, they have the necessary track record to justify their inclusion,” Zampolli told the British newspaper.
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The Italian national team, coached by Gennaro Gattuso, was knocked out of the football competition a few weeks ago after losing against the Bosnia-Herzegovina team in the World Cup play-offs. The Azzurri were defeated in the penalty shootout. The elimination was a severe blow to Transalpine football, which is out of the World Cup for the third consecutive time.
Iran, qualified for the competition on sporting merit, issued a statement this Wednesday assuring that its national team is prepared for the competition in which it hopes to participate, according to Reuters.
Iran was awaiting FIFA’s authorization to move its matches from the United States to Mexico. And it had indicated that it would condition its participation in the tournament on FIFA’s decision. Tehran authorities argued that, after US bombings in their country that caused the death of the president and dozens of high-ranking officials, it was not safe for their footballers and technical staff to travel to the United States. Trump has stated that Iranian athletes will be “welcome” in Los Angeles and Seattle where their first matches are scheduled, but also pointed out that it would be inappropriate and potentially dangerous for them.
Infantino, who has a great personal relationship with the occupant of the Oval Office, assured last week that he hopes Iran will be able to compete normally in the World Cup.
