US envoy urges Trump and FIFA to kick Iran out of World Cup so Italy can change them
US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino have been urged to kick out Iran from the forthcoming World Cup to be replaced by Italy by a US Special Envoy
Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino have been urged to kick Iran out for Italy (Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
Donald Trump and FIFA have been urged to axe Iran’s inclusion in this years World Cup this summer by one of the US President’s special envoys.
Paolo Zampolli, US special envoy, claims Italy have the ”pedigree to justify inclusion” and claims he even personally made the suggestion to Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Italy suffered a humiliating loss in their play-off match to underdogs Bosnia and Herzegovina and sparked huge outcry in the country over the failure.
However, Italian native Zampolli is trying hand the huge footballing nation a World Cup lifeline at the expense of the nation at conflict with the US, Iran. Trump’s envoy said Italy at the World Cup in the US would be a “dream”.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Zampolli said: “I confirm 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.”
Trump had previously said Iran’s footballers would be “welcome” to come to the US, but also stated that it could be potentially dangerous for them.
Writing on Truth Social back in March, The US President wrote: “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”
FIFA has declined to comment on Iran being replaced but Infantino said last week that the “Iranian team is coming, for sure.”
He added: ““We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful [one]. 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.”
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