FIFA has no plans to replace Iran with Italy at this summer’s World Cup, despite a proposal linked to allies of Donald Trump. The suggestion came from Paolo Zampolli, who told the Financial Times he had recommended to both Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino that the Italian national team take Iran’s place in the tournament.
FIFA makes its stance clear on a growing controversy
The reaction from Iran was immediate and forceful. Officials from the Iranian Embassy described the proposal as “moral bankruptcy,” defending their team’s right to compete after qualifying just like every other nation set to participate in the World Cup.
Even within Italy, the idea did not sit well. Government officials and sports leaders, including Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti and Olympic Committee president Luciano Buonfiglio, emphasized a fundamental principle: you earn your place on the pitch, not through politics.
Infantino had already been clear days earlier regarding the Middle Eastern nation’s participation “Iran is coming, for sure.”
The uncertainty stems from ongoing geopolitical tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel. Concerns over security and logistics have raised questions about Iran’s involvement, even though the team secured its place through qualification. However, FIFA regulations give the organization full control only in extreme cases typically involving formal withdrawals or sanctions, not political proposals.
As of now, there is no indication Iran will be excluded. The tournament, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will proceed with this situation under close watch throughout the competition.
At times, soccer can become intertwined with politics and even shaped by it. But for now, the 2026 World Cup appears to be holding its line, staying true to fairness, the rules, and the sport’s most essential principle: fair play.
Read the full article here
