Italy rebuffs US proposal to replace Iran at World Cup, says it is 'not appropriate'

Italy has rejected the suggestion that it could replace Iran at the next FIFA World Cup, with senior figures insisting qualification must be earned on merit, according to local media reports on Thursday.

According to a report by Financial Times, Italian-born Paolo Zampolli, a special envoy of Trump, proposed that Italy, recently eliminated in qualifying, should take Iran’s place at the tournament to be hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.

The first to reject the idea was the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) President Luciano Buonfiglio, who spoke on the sidelines of the City of Rome Award organized by OPES, La Gazzetta Dello Sport has reported.

"First of all, I don't think it's possible. Second, I'd be offended. You have to deserve it to go to the World Cup," he said.

Italy’s Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi echoed those remarks during an appearance at the Quirinale Palace following a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the Constitutional Court.

"An Italy repechage for the World Cup? It's not appropriate, you qualify on the pitch," he said.

Iran has also responded, signaling its intention to compete as planned.

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohejerani said preparations are already underway for the tournament in 2026, which will be hosted in the US.

"The Ministry of Youth and Sports has announced, by order of the minister, the full preparation of our national soccer team for participation in the 2026 World Cup in the United States," she said."The necessary measures have been taken to ensure these young people can participate with pride and success."