Italy Rejects Proposal to Replace Iran at World Cup, Calling Idea “Shameful”

Italy has firmly dismissed a suggestion from a Trump administration official that the four‑time world champions should replace Iran at the upcoming World Cup in North America. Italian sports authorities stressed that the proposal is neither possible nor appropriate, reiterating that qualification must be earned on the pitch, not granted through political manoeuvring.

The idea originated from Paolo Zampolli, the US special envoy for global partnerships, who told both President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Italy despite failing to qualify should be considered as a contingency option if Iran were unable to participate. Zampolli insisted the request was “not political,” describing it instead as a dream for Italian and Italian‑American fans.

Italian officials reacted swiftly and sharply. Sports Minister Andrea Abodi said the proposal was “not possible” and “not a good idea,” while Luciano Buonfiglio, president of the Italian Olympic Committee, said he would feel “offended” by such a move, arguing that a team must “deserve to go to the World Cup.” Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti went further, labelling the suggestion “shameful.”

Iran, meanwhile, has not withdrawn from the tournament. Despite the ongoing Middle East conflict, the team continues preparations to play its group‑stage matches in the United States, and FIFA has confirmed that fixtures in Los Angeles and Seattle will proceed as scheduled in June.

At the White House, President Trump responded lightly when asked about the situation, joking that he didn’t “think about it too much” before acknowledging it was “an interesting question.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio later clarified that the US has not barred Iranian players from entering the country, though he suggested concerns remain about non‑athlete personnel who might accompany the team.

The episode has sparked debate but appears settled for now: Italy will not be heading to the World Cup, and Iran remains on track to compete with FIFA and both nations’ officials signalling that the tournament will proceed as planned.