- A US special envoy, Paolo Zampolli, has lobbied Fifa to replace Iran with Italy at the upcoming World Cup, following recent US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
- Zampolli, an Italian native, confirmed to The Financial Times that he floated the idea to Donald Trump and Fifa President Gianni Infantino, citing Italy's four titles as “the pedigree to justify inclusion” while also expressing his desire to rebuild US-Italy relations.
- Iran's participation in the tournament, co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, has been questioned due to the joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on the country that erupted on February 28.
- Fifa President Gianni Infantino, however, stated last week that Iran would “for sure” compete, emphasizing their qualification and desire to play.
- Italy, who have won the World Cup on four occasions, failed to qualify for the third consecutive time after a playoff defeat by Bosnia-Herzegovina last month, leading to resignations within their football federation.
IN FULL
Trump envoy admits he’s lobbying FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at this summer’s World Cup
