FIFA Rejects Idea of Replacing Iran With Italy at World Cup, Sources Say
FIFA has no plans to replace Iran with Italy at this summer’s World Cup, according to sources, despite a politically driven proposal from a US official suggesting the change.
The suggestion came from US special envoy Paolo Zampolli, who said he had proposed to US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy should take Iran’s place in the tournament. Zampolli argued that Italy, as a four-time World Cup champion, deserved inclusion despite failing to qualify.
However, FIFA has not indicated any intention to act on the proposal. Instead, the organization pointed to earlier remarks by President Gianni Infantino, who confirmed that Iran remains part of the tournament lineup.
“The Iranian team is coming, for sure,” Infantino said last week, reinforcing FIFA’s position that qualification is based on sporting merit.
The Iranian embassy strongly criticized the proposal, calling it a politically motivated attempt that undermines fair competition and accusing the United States of “moral bankruptcy.” Iranian officials stressed that participation in the World Cup should be decided on the pitch, not through political intervention.
Italy, meanwhile, has missed out on qualification for a third consecutive World Cup following a play-off defeat, and several Italian officials also rejected the suggestion. Government and sports authorities described the idea as “not possible” and “inappropriate,” emphasizing that World Cup participation must be earned through sporting results.
Under FIFA regulations, the organization has sole discretion in cases of team withdrawal or exclusion, and may replace a team if necessary. However, no such process has been triggered in relation to Iran’s participation.
FIFA has previously stated that Iran is expected to play its scheduled matches in the United States, including fixtures against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. Iranian officials have also confirmed that the national team is prepared to compete.
Despite political tensions surrounding the region, FIFA leadership has repeatedly emphasized that football should remain separate from politics.
