Ask Onix
FIFA dismisses Italy's World Cup replacement proposal
FIFA has no intention of replacing Iran with Italy in this summer's World Cup, despite a formal request from a U.S. special envoy, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Political maneuvering behind the proposal
Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. special envoy and Italian native, confirmed to the Financial Times that he had suggested the swap to President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Zampolli argued that Italy, a four-time champion, deserved inclusion in the U.S.-hosted tournament.
FIFA declined to comment directly on Zampolli's proposal but referenced Infantino's statement last week, in which he affirmed, "The Iranian team is coming, for sure."
Iran condemns U.S. intervention
The Iranian embassy in Washington criticized the proposal as an attempt to politicize the tournament. In a post on X, the embassy called the move a sign of "moral bankruptcy" by the United States, accusing it of fearing "even the presence of eleven young Iranians on the field of play."
Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, respectively, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Italy's qualification failure
Italy, currently ranked 12th by FIFA, will miss the World Cup for the third consecutive time after losing a qualification playoff to Bosnia and Herzegovina last month. The team's absence has sparked frustration among Italian officials.
Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti called Zampolli's proposal "shameful," while Sports Minister Andrea Abodi stated it was "not possible" and "not appropriate," emphasizing that qualification should be earned on the pitch. Italian Olympic Committee President Luciano Buonfiglio echoed the sentiment, saying he would feel "offended" by such a move.
FIFA's stance on Iran's participation
Infantino has repeatedly affirmed Iran's right to participate, stating last week in Washington that sports should remain "outside of politics." He added that Iran's team is "quite good" and "really want to play."
In March, FIFA confirmed Iran's matches would proceed in the U.S. as planned after the Iranian football federation explored relocating games to Mexico due to safety concerns. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani later confirmed Iran's readiness to compete.
Historical context and U.S. position
Zampolli previously made a similar request during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar while serving as a United Nations ambassador. Iran had initially announced it would boycott the tournament over safety concerns following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes but later reversed its decision.
President Trump had previously stated that Iran would be "welcome" at the World Cup but suggested their participation could pose risks to their safety. The White House World Cup Task Force has not yet responded to requests for comment.
FIFA's rules on team replacement
Under FIFA regulations, the governing body holds "sole discretion" over team replacements if a participating association withdraws or is excluded. Article six of its World Cup rules states that FIFA "may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another association." However, no such decision has been announced.
