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Trump envoy asks FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at World Cup

sportsApr 23, 202623421

A senior Trump envoy, Zampolli, asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at the 2026 World Cup, proposing Italy take Iran's slot. Zampolli cited political ties and Italy's World Cup pedigree while pushing the swap, despite Italy failing to qualify for the tournament. FIFA has not accepted the request and the Italian federation said qualification must be earned on the pitch, making the proposal a politically charged attempt to change tournament lineups amid lingering doubts over Iran's participation.

Key Highlights

U.S. envoy Zampolli asked FIFA to swap Iran for Italy at 2026 World Cup
Italy did not qualify for the tournament and its federation rejected replacement
The proposal politicizes FIFA selection amid doubts over Iran's World Cup participation
3 sources
theguardian.comTrump envoy asks Fifa to replace Iran with Italy at World Cup finalsft.comTrump envoy seeks to replace Iran with Italy in football World Cuphuffpost.comTrump Envoy Asks FIFA To Replace Iran With Team That Failed To Qualify For World Cup

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