A special envoy to Donald Trump has asked Fifa to replace Iran with Italy at this summer's World Cup, according to a report in the Financial Times. The move is said to be an attempt to mend ties between the former US president and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, after a falling out over Trump's attacks on Pope Leo XIV regarding the Iran war.
Paolo Zampolli, the US special envoy, confirmed the proposal to the FT, stating: “I have suggested to Trump and [Fifa president Gianni] Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. 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.”
Italy failed to qualify for the tournament after a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in March, marking their third consecutive absence from the finals. The White House, Fifa, the Italian Football Federation and Iran's football federation did not respond to requests for comment.
Iran, meanwhile, issued a statement on Wednesday saying it was prepared for the tournament and intended to participate. Earlier this month, Iran said it would only decide on its participation after Fifa responded to a request to relocate its matches from the United States to Mexico.
