Italian ministers dismiss plan for Italy to replace Iran at 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

Italian ministers on Thursday dismissed a proposal for Italy to take Iran’s place at the 2026 World Cup.

According to the Financial Times, Paolo Zampolli, a close adviser to Donald Trump, proposed to FIFA that Italy replace Iran at the tournament.

Andrea Abodi, the sports and youth minister, said in Rome that the idea was not possible and not appropriate, adding that qualification must be earned on the pitch.

Economy minister Giancarlo Giorgetti echoed that view, calling the notion shameful and saying he would be ashamed to qualify in such a way.

Iran’s embassy in Rome responded on X, saying football belongs to the people, not politics, that Italy’s standing was built on results, and that efforts to exclude Iran reveal what it called the moral bankruptcy of the United States, adding that even the presence of 11 young Iranians on the pitch is feared.

Source: L'Équipe