Donald Trump's United States special representative for global partnerships, Paolo Zampolli, remains steadfast in his push for Italy to replace Iran at the upcoming World Cup. The Italian-American envoy acknowledges that time is limited for FIFA to make a last-minute switch but insists it is difficult to trust that the Iranian team will actually participate.
Zampolli's Campaign for Italy's Inclusion
Zampolli, 56, claims he had Trump's backing when he contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino about the possibility of Italy taking Iran's place. Despite Infantino's repeated assurances that Team Melli will compete, Zampolli describes FIFA's regulations on team replacements as flawed, prompting his outreach.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Zampolli stated: "With Trump's support, I contacted Infantino because FIFA regulations are flawed in the replacement of a team that doesn't show up. If Iran didn't participate in the World Cup, Italy—which has won it four times and is the highest-ranked of the excluded teams—would meet the right requirements."
Concerns Over Iran's Participation
In response to Infantino's stance that Iran will play, Zampolli remarked: "OK, but the crux of the matter is understanding what the Iranians are thinking, and it's very hard to trust them. Now they say the team will come, but what about their following?" He described Iran's supporters as "very unwelcome in the United States, given what's happening," adding, "The game is on..."
Zampolli's proposal has divided opinion in Italy. When told that his suggestion is polarising the country, he replied: "I can understand that, but how do you think Italians would react if the national team played in the World Cup? Would they cheer like only we know how, or wouldn't they watch the games because we didn't qualify on the pitch?"
FIFA's Position and Italian Opposition
Asked about pressuring Infantino further, Zampolli said: "I don't think it's necessary, even if time is running out. And last year I already convinced him to hold the World Cup draw at the Trump-Kennedy Centre." The interviewer noted that Infantino's Italian heritage might complicate matters, but Zampolli countered: "What if this could make things easier?"
Infantino has consistently affirmed Iran's participation, a stance echoed by Iranian officials. Meanwhile, Italy's sports minister, Andrea Abodi, has dismissed Zampolli's proposal as both impossible and inappropriate, with no official Italian interest in replacing Iran.
