Italy Rejects Trump Envoy’s Proposal to Replace Iran at World Cup: ‘Not Appropriate, Shameful’
Published on Reflecto News | Sports | World News
Italy has firmly rejected a controversial proposal from a senior envoy of President Donald Trump suggesting that the Azzurri should replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup, with top government officials dismissing the idea as “not appropriate,” “not possible,” and even “shameful” .
The proposal, made by U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli, was reportedly an attempt to repair the strained relationship between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following a public fallout over the president’s attacks on Pope Leo XIV amid the Iran war .
Italian Officials Respond with Outrage
Italian leaders across the political spectrum were quick to reject the suggestion, emphasizing the principle of earning a place in the tournament through qualification.
“Italy’s possible re-qualification for the 2026 World Cup … is firstly not possible, and secondly, not appropriate. I don’t know what comes first. Qualification is on the pitch.” — Andrea Abodi, Italian Sports Minister
Luciano Buonfiglio, president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), echoed the sentiment, stating he would feel “offended” by the idea and that “in order to go to the World Cup, you have to earn it” . Leading Italian coach Gianni De Biasi added that Italy “doesn’t need Trump’s support on an issue like this” .
Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti delivered the harshest rebuke, calling the proposal “shameful” .
The Proposal: A Bid to Mend Diplomatic Wounds
Zampolli, an Italian-American who serves as Trump’s envoy for “Global Partnership,” confirmed the proposal to the Financial Times on Wednesday.
“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.” — Paolo Zampolli, U.S. Special Envoy
However, the move was widely interpreted as a political gesture rather than a genuine sporting initiative. According to sources cited by the Financial Times, the plan was designed to ease tensions between Trump and Meloni, who had publicly criticized the president’s attack on Pope Leo XIV . Shortly after Meloni’s rebuke, Trump launched personal attacks on the Italian leader, calling her “unacceptable” and questioning her courage .
Iran Committed to Participation
The proposal is predicated on Iran withdrawing from the tournament — a scenario that remains purely hypothetical. Iranian officials have repeatedly stated their team is “fully prepared” to compete in the United States, Mexico, and Canada this summer .
“The Iranian team is coming, for sure. Iran has to come if they are to represent their people. They really want to play, and they should play. Sport should be outside politics.” — Gianni Infantino, FIFA President
Iran qualified for a fourth successive World Cup last year and is scheduled to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26 .
UEFA and AFC Rules Would Prevent Italy’s Inclusion
Even if Iran were to withdraw, sports law experts suggest Italy would not be the logical replacement. Under FIFA’s regulations, if a participating member association withdraws, the world governing body has the discretion to select a replacement, but precedent and regional affiliation would likely favor another Asian nation .
According to Article 6.7 of FIFA’s World Cup regulations, “If any Participating Member Association withdraws and/or is excluded from the FIFA World Cup 26, FIFA shall decide on the matter at its sole discretion” . However, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) would be expected to lobby for the replacement to come from Asia, with the United Arab Emirates — which lost a qualifying playoff to Iraq last November — considered the most obvious candidate .
Italy, which failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup after a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 31, has no pathway to tournament participation under the current qualifying framework .
Meloni-Trump Relationship at a Low Point
The proposal comes amid a significant deterioration in relations between Trump and Meloni, who had previously been considered close allies. Italy’s refusal to join the US-led military campaign against Iran, along with Meloni’s public criticism of Trump’s attacks on the Pope, has created a diplomatic rift .
Following Meloni’s condemnation of Trump’s papal comments, the former president publicly attacked the Italian leader, stating: “She is the one who is unacceptable… she doesn’t care if Iran has a nuclear weapon” .
The World Cup proposal appears to have been an attempt to extend an olive branch, but it has instead sparked further diplomatic friction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Trump’s envoy propose replacing Iran with Italy?
The proposal was reportedly an effort to repair relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following a diplomatic fallout over Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV during the Iran war .
2. How did Italy respond to the proposal?
Italian officials rejected the proposal forcefully. Sports Minister Andrea Abodi called it “not possible” and “not appropriate,” Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti called it “shameful,” and CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio said he would feel “offended” .
3. Could Italy actually replace Iran at the World Cup?
Extremely unlikely. Iran is “fully prepared” to participate and has given no indication of withdrawing. Even if they did, FIFA would likely select another Asian nation — such as the United Arab Emirates — rather than Italy .
4. What is the status of Iran’s World Cup participation?
Iran has qualified for the tournament and is scheduled to play group matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in the United States. FIFA President Infantino has stated that “the Iranian team is coming, for sure” .
5. Did Italy qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
No. Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup after losing on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European qualifying playoff final on March 31 .
6. Has Trump’s envoy made similar proposals before?
Yes. Zampolli made a similar request to FIFA during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, citing Iran’s human rights record. That request was ignored, and Iran participated in the tournament .
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