Trump Envoy Proposes Italy Replace Iran at World Cup in Bid to Mend US-Italian Relations

A special envoy representing US President Donald Trump has petitioned FIFA to substitute Iran with Italy in the forthcoming World Cup tournament, according to a Financial Times report released Wednesday.

The initiative represents an attempt to restore diplomatic relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who have recently experienced friction stemming from the president's public criticism of Pope Leo XIV regarding Iran policy, sources told the FT.

Envoy Expresses Support for Italian Participation

Paolo Zampolli, the US special envoy, confirmed his involvement in the proposal to the FT.

"I confirm I have suggested to Trump and [FIFA president Gianni] 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,"

Uncertain Status of Iran's Participation

The White House, FIFA, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), and Iran's football federation (FFIRI) have not yet provided immediate responses to inquiries from Reuters regarding the proposal.

Italy's absence from the World Cup remains a significant factor in this discussion. The Italian national team suffered a disappointing outcome in March when it failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, losing 4-1 on penalty kicks to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their playoff final.

Iran released a statement on Wednesday, as reported by the FT, asserting its readiness to participate in the tournament. Reuters was unable to independently confirm this report at the time of publication.

In April, Iran had previously indicated that it would make a final decision regarding its World Cup participation only after receiving confirmation from FIFA regarding its request to relocate matches away from the United States to Mexico.