World Cup struggle as Donald Trump concerned in a plot to switch Iran with Italy

Trump envoy admits approaching FIFA to make the switch as four-time winners Italy have more ‘pedigree’ and Iran remains at war with host nation America

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A World Cup war has erupted after Donald Trump was involved in a plot to kick out Iran – and replace them with Italy.

Paolo Zampolli, a top envoy of the US President, has admitted asking tournament organiser FIFA to make the switch.

He reportedly argued Italy’s four World Cup titles justified awarding the nation a spot instead of the Middle East state which has been at war with co-host America for seven weeks and does not have the same ‘pedigree’.

Zampolli discussed the move with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Trump.

The plan was part of a bid to repair ties between the US President and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The two fell out amid Trump’s attacks against Pope Leo XIV after he criticised the US President over the Iran war.

Iran was unimpressed by the team-switch plot.

It issued a statement saying it is prepared for the tournament and plans to take part – even though it will have to play its group matches in the US amid tight security and with few fans.

Iranians will not be issued travel visas to enter North America for the tournament.

The team-change plan emerged after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup which the US will host jointly with Mexico and Canada.

Its loss in a play-off to minnows Bosnia and Herzegovina caused a political outcry resulting in the chief of the Italian Football Federation’s resignation.

Zampolli said: “I confirm I have suggested to Trump and 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.”

Last month Iran said it would not take part in the tournament following US-Israeli air strikes that killed the nation’s leader and scores of other senior officials and citizens.

Officials cited safety concerns for players and coaches travelling to the US.

Iran’s football federation then asked FIFA to switch its matches to Mexico.

But football’s governing body refused, insisting the tournament schedule was set in stone.

Trump has said Iran’s footballers are ‘welcome’ to come to America.

But he said it would be inappropriate and potentially dangerous for them.

FIFA has declined to comment on the lobbying efforts.

But Infantino told a conference in the US last week: “The Iranian team is coming for sure.

“We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be peaceful. That would definitely help.

“But Iran has to come if they are to represent their people.

“They have qualified. They really want to play and they should play.”

Infantino, who is Swiss-Italian, met the Iranian team ahead of a match in Turkey last month.

He said then that FIFA would ‘support the team to ensure the best possible conditions as they prepare for the World Cup’.

Iran was one of eight teams to qualify from the Asian Football Confederation.

Italy – currently ranked 12th in the world – missed out on one of 16 European spots.

It was the third consecutive World Cup for which it has failed to qualify.

FIFA’s rule book gives the governing body ‘sole discretion’ to decide what action to take if Iran withdrew.

Rules state: “FIFA may decide to replace the participating member association in question with another association.”

Ahead of the Club World Cup last summer FIFA used its discretionary powers to hand a spot at the tournament to Inter Miami – enabling global superstar Lionel Messi to play.

One soccer analyst said qualifying on merit was ‘a somewhat alien concept’ in the US.

“Punishments and rewards based on performance are not such an issue in the States,” they said.

“Neither Major League Soccer nor the NFL has promotion or relegation.

“So the fact Italy could be parachuted in having failed to qualify would not be such a big issue. For many fans they should be there as of right because of their football history.”

A US state department spokesman said: “The Trump administration is doing everything needed to support a successful World Cup while at the same time upholding US law and the highest standards of national security and public safety in the conduct of our visa process.”