00:00FIFA has no plans to replace Iran with Italy at this summer's World Cup.
00:07Despite a proposal linked to Donald Trump's special envoy,
00:11uncertainty has surrounded Iran's participation amid ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel in the Middle East.
00:20Envoy Paolo Zampoli confirmed he had suggested to Trump and the FIFA president Gianni Infantino
00:28that Italy take Iran's place, arguing that Italy's four World Cup titles justified inclusion
00:36and described it as a personal ambition to see the Azzurri compete in a US-hosted tournament.
00:44FIFA declined to formally comment on the proposal,
00:48but did point out to Infantino's recent assurance that Iran's national team would be present at the tournament.
00:58Iran's embassy has strongly criticised the idea, characterising it as evidence of moral bankruptcy in the United States
01:08and stressing that even Italy's football success had been earned on merit rather than political intervention.
01:16It added that attempts to exclude Iran from the tournament reflected fear of fair competition.
01:24The Financial Times reported the suggestion was also framed as a diplomatic suggestion
01:32to ease some tensions between the US and Italy after Prime Minister Giorgia Maloney criticised Trump over remarks concerning the
01:44Pope.
01:44the Prime Minister
01:44on theーン
01:45You
Comments