Italy Sports World Rejects US Envoy's Suggestion to Replace Iran in World Cup

(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."