Italy Sports World Rejects US Envoy's Suggestion to Replace Iran in World Cup
Key facts
- Italy Sports World Rejects US Envoy's Suggestion to Replace Iran in World Cup
- Italian sports officials have unanimously opposed a proposal by a US envoy to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup, stating that qualification must be earned on the field rather than through political deals.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: April 23, 2026
Direct answer
Italian sports officials have unanimously opposed a proposal by a US envoy to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup, stating that qualification must be earned on the field rather than through political deals.
- Citation
- Italy Sports World Rejects US Envoy's Suggestion to Replace Iran in World Cup (April 23, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- April 23, 2026
Italian sports officials have unanimously opposed a proposal by a US envoy to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup, stating that qualification must be earned on the field rather than through political deals.
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- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 23:10
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 23:32 (21 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 24, 2026 at 00:22 (50 min after Collected)
(Central News Agency, Rome, May 23, Special Correspondent Huang Ya-shih) US envoy Paolo Zampolli suggested in an interview with British media that Italy should replace Iran in the FIFA World Cup. This suggestion has met with unanimous opposition from the Italian sports community. Sports Minister Andrea Abodi and Olympic Committee President Luciano Buonfiglio both expressed their rejection today, arguing that qualification should be earned on the field, otherwise it would be offensive.
The *Financial Times* reported on the 22nd that Paolo Zampolli, a senior envoy for President Trump, stated in an interview, "I have suggested to Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy replace Iran in the World Cup."
Zampolli, who is of Italian descent, said it has always been his dream to see the Azzurri compete in a tournament hosted by the US. He claimed the move would help repair the relationship between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
However, the proposal was rejected today by the Italian sports world. Luciano Buonfiglio, President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), stated, "First, I think this is impossible, and second, I would feel offended. Qualification for the World Cup must be achieved through hard work."
Sports Minister Andrea Abodi also commented, "Re-qualifying Italy for the World Cup this way? It's inappropriate. Qualification must be won on the pitch." He told Italian media that he was certain FIFA "cannot take such an action, and it would not be fitting."
This World Cup is co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, scheduled to open on June 11. Iran's first match is set for June 15 against New Zealand in Los Angeles. Amid ongoing US-Iran tensions, whether the Iranian team can attend has drawn significant attention.
The Iranian Embassy in Rome released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) saying, "Football belongs to the people, not politicians. Italy's glorious achievements in football come from the field, not political exchange. Trying to exclude Iran from the World Cup only exposes the moral bankruptcy of the US and even a fear of 11 young Iranian players appearing in the game."
The *Financial Times* reported on the 22nd that Paolo Zampolli, a senior envoy for President Trump, stated in an interview, "I have suggested to Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy replace Iran in the World Cup."
Zampolli, who is of Italian descent, said it has always been his dream to see the Azzurri compete in a tournament hosted by the US. He claimed the move would help repair the relationship between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
However, the proposal was rejected today by the Italian sports world. Luciano Buonfiglio, President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), stated, "First, I think this is impossible, and second, I would feel offended. Qualification for the World Cup must be achieved through hard work."
Sports Minister Andrea Abodi also commented, "Re-qualifying Italy for the World Cup this way? It's inappropriate. Qualification must be won on the pitch." He told Italian media that he was certain FIFA "cannot take such an action, and it would not be fitting."
This World Cup is co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, scheduled to open on June 11. Iran's first match is set for June 15 against New Zealand in Los Angeles. Amid ongoing US-Iran tensions, whether the Iranian team can attend has drawn significant attention.
The Iranian Embassy in Rome released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) saying, "Football belongs to the people, not politicians. Italy's glorious achievements in football come from the field, not political exchange. Trying to exclude Iran from the World Cup only exposes the moral bankruptcy of the US and even a fear of 11 young Iranian players appearing in the game."
FAQ
What are the key facts in this article?
Italian sports officials have unanimously opposed a proposal by a US envoy to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup, stating that qualification must be earned on the field rather than through political deals.
What is the direct answer?
Italian sports officials have unanimously opposed a proposal by a US envoy to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup, stating that qualification must be earned on the field rather than through political deals.
What is the source and date?
PR Times: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202604230363.aspx | April 23, 2026