Trump envoy suggests Italy replace Iran at World Cup

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Paolo Zampolli has suggested that Italy should take Iran’s place at the FIFA World Cup, according to the Financial Times.

Zampolli told the newspaper on Wednesday that it would be a dream to see Italy, a four-time World Cup winner, at the tournament being hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, even though the team was knocked out in a qualifying playoff last month.

"I confirm I have suggested to Trump and (FIFA President Gianni) Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion", Zampolli said.

The Financial Times reported that the proposal was part of an effort to mend relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after she criticised his attack on Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war.

Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for a third straight time after losing their playoff final against Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties.

Iran’s place in the tournament has come under question amid the war involving the United States and Israel that began on February 28.

In April, the Iranian football federation, FFIRI, said it was negotiating with FIFA to move Iran’s World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico.

However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino told AFP last month, while attending Iran’s friendly against Costa Rica in Turkiye, that Iran would be part of the World Cup and would play where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.

Infantino repeated that position in Washington last week. When AFP contacted FIFA on Thursday about Zampolli’s proposal, the governing body referred to Infantino’s recent remarks.

This is not the first time Zampolli has floated such an idea. In 2022, he also urged FIFA to allow Italy to replace Iran at the World Cup in Qatar, citing the Islamic Republic’s crackdown on protesters at the time. That proposal was not accepted.

Zampolli is an Italian-American businessman and socialite who founded a modelling agency. He has also said that he introduced Trump to his current wife, Melania Trump.

FIFA position unchanged

Despite Zampolli’s remarks, FIFA’s public position has remained unchanged, with Infantino stating that Iran will participate in the tournament in line with the draw.

The latest suggestion has nevertheless drawn attention because it comes against the backdrop of wider political tensions linked to the Iran war and because Italy, one of football’s most successful national teams, did not secure qualification on the field.