Italian sports officials say Italy is not interested in replacing Iran at the upcoming World Cup following a suggestion to that effect by a US administration official.
Iran has not withdrawn from the World Cup — the team is currently preparing to play in the US despite the war in the Middle East — and FIFA has insisted its group-stage games near Los Angeles and in Seattle will go ahead as planned in June.
The Financial Times reported that Paolo Zampolli, the US special envoy for global partnerships, had suggested the swap to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
“First of all it’s not possible. Secondly, it’s not a good idea,” Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi said on Thursday.
Luciano Buonfiglio, the president of the Italian Olympic Committee, which oversees all sports in Italy, also dismissed the idea of taking Iran’s place.
“I would feel offended,” Buonfiglio said. “You need to deserve to go to the World Cup.
Italy’s Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti called the idea “shameful.”
An Iranian government spokesperson said Wednesday that the men’s national team is preparing for “proud and successful participation” in its World Cup games in the US