Italian government officials have decisively reacted to suggestions that their national football team could still be sent to the World Cup 2026, even if already-qualified Iran does not compete at the finals.
Conspiracy Against Iran’s World Cup Participation
Since the beginning of US and Zionist regime aggressions against Iran on February 28, Iran’s participation in this global FIFA event has been shrouded in doubt. These doubts are raised while all of our national team’s group stage matches are scheduled to be played in the United States.
The tournament is co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, leading to suggestions that Iran’s games could be played at alternative venues.
Speculation about Iran’s participation has reached its peak, with officials from both Iran and the US, including US President Donald Trump, commenting on the matter.
However, in a statement released on Wednesday, Fatemeh Mohajerani, Iran’s government spokesperson, emphasized that all necessary arrangements for the national team’s effective participation in the tournament have been ensured by the Ministry of Sports and Youth. This demonstrates Iran’s firm resolve for a powerful presence in these competitions.
Nevertheless, an envoy for Trump has suggested that Italy, who have failed to qualify for the World Cup for a third straight edition, should replace Iran at this year’s World Cup. This suggestion is made while Iran has deservedly qualified through sporting competitions.
Paolo Zampolli, an Italian-American and US envoy for global relations, told the Financial Times that he made this suggestion to both Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Zampolli, who has no official connection with the World Cup or Italian football, said: “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.” These statements, without considering the principles of sporting merit, are merely based on personal desires.
The plan seems to be an effort by Zampolli to repair ties after Trump and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni fell out amid the US leader’s attacks against Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war. These political interferences in sports reveal the un-sporting nature of this suggestion.
However, this suggestion did not come from Trump or anyone within his administration.
Decisive Reaction from Italian Officials
Andrea Abodi, Italy’s Sports Minister, has rebuked the idea, saying: “It is not appropriate… You qualify on the pitch.” Meanwhile, Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti described the concept as “shameful.” These reactions emphasize the importance of ethical and sporting principles in international competitions.
The suggestion has also provoked embarrassment among Azzurri fans, with Italian media reminding readers that the idea has a very familiar feel.
Italy’s main sports news websites gave the story only a passing reference, but politicians and officials were quick to reject the idea.
Luciano Buonfiglio, President of the Italian Olympic Committee, said: “First of all, I don’t think it’s possible. Second, I’d feel offended. In order to go to the World Cup, you have to earn it.” These words emphasize the necessity of observing sporting justice.
Leading Italian coach Gianni De Biasi told Reuters it was an unlikely proposal, with any theoretical Iranian absence logically to be filled by the team behind them in the qualifiers.
He said: “Furthermore, I believe Italy doesn’t need Trump’s support on an issue like this. I think we can manage on our own.”
David Aganzo, president of Spain’s Association of Footballers and former head of the global players’ union FIFPRO, was a little more cautious, saying: “People who want to go to the World Cup have to earn their place on sporting merit. We all agree on that, and we’re going to make that clear to FIFA.
But let’s take a look at the issues involved, as there may be different perspectives or situations in this regard that we might not be aware of.”
FIFA Emphasizes Iran’s Participation
FIFA, the world governing body of football, responded by pointing to Infantino’s previous comments on Iran’s participation.
He told last week’s CNBC Invest in America Forum: “The Iranian team is coming, for sure. They really want to play, and they should play. Sport should be outside politics.” These statements confirm Iran’s undeniable right to participate in these competitions.
Italy Missing Third Successive World Cup
FIFA did not immediately respond to a request from Al Jazeera for comment.
Currently, there is no suggestion that Iran will withdraw or be banned from the tournament, which Italy missed out on after losing in a playoff for the third World Cup in a row.
Iran qualified for a fourth successive World Cup last year but, after the start of the war, requested that FIFA move the team’s three group matches from the US to Mexico – a suggestion that was rejected. This request was made to maintain the security and peace of mind of the players under special circumstances.
Iran is seemingly proceeding as planned. Mehdi Taj, President of the Iranian Football Federation, told reporters at a pro-government rally in Tehran on Wednesday: “We are preparing and making arrangements for the World Cup, but we are obedient to the decisions of the authorities.” This demonstrates full readiness and coordination with higher authorities for a powerful presence on the global stage.
Four years ago, Zampolli, when he was a United Nations ambassador, wrote to Infantino saying that “the world is demanding” that he disqualify Iran because of the country’s poor human rights record. He then suggested that the team be replaced with Italy. This repetition of political scenarios against Iranian sports demonstrates the biased approach of some individuals.
The request was ignored as Iran took part and went out after the group stage, having lost to England and the US and beaten Wales.
In the seemingly unlikely scenario of Iran being excluded, the decision on who would replace them lies in the hands of FIFA, which, under Article Six of the World Cup regulations, is at liberty to call up any nation it chooses.
The Asian Football Confederation would be expected to lobby hard for the replacement to come from Asia, with the United Arab Emirates, who lost a qualifying playoff to Iraq last November, the obvious choice.
The World Cup gets under way on June 11 with Iran scheduled to kick off their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles four days later. With hope for a powerful presence and success for the national team of the Islamic Republic of Iran in this global arena.
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