US Politics Meddles with World Cup: 'I've Proposed Italy Replaces Iran'

Despite ongoing conflict, the Iranian national football team is "fully prepared" to participate in this summer's World Cup, according to government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani, as reported by Al Jazeera. Earlier on Wednesday, the Financial Times revealed that a senior envoy to the US President had asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at the tournament.

Italy had the opportunity to qualify for the World Cup on their own merit but lost their sole qualification spot to Norway during the group stage. They were given another chance in the European play-offs, but this time Bosnia & Herzegovina stood in their way, meaning Italy will miss their third consecutive World Cup.

Nevertheless, a high-ranking official from US President Trump's administration saw fit to suggest Italy as a 'logical replacement' for Iran at the World Cup. "I confirm that I have proposed Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. I was born in Italy, and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri participate in a tournament in the US. With four titles, they have the track record to justify participation," stated envoy Paolo Zampolli.

Iran's participation in the tournament has been under scrutiny since the US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran in February. The World Cup is co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, but all of Iran's group stage matches are scheduled to take place in the United States.

Mohajerani stated that the Iranian Ministry of Youth and Sports has made preparations for their participation in the US. Previously, the Iranian Sports Minister had indicated that Iran "cannot participate in the World Cup under any circumstances."

Following this, US President Donald Trump said the Iranian team was welcome at the World Cup, but he didn't believe it was "appropriate for them to be there." FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated last week: "The Iranian team is definitely coming, yes. We naturally hope that the situation will be peaceful by then. That would certainly help. But Iran must come."

Iran is in Group G with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. Theoretically, Italy could replace Iran one-for-one, as a maximum of two European nations are allowed in any single group.