A high-level envoy of President Donald Trump had asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the next World Cup finals.
The Financial Times reported on Wednesday that, citing informed sources, stated that the proposal aims to repair relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after the dispute that arose between them following the US president’s criticism of Pope Leo XVI regarding the war with Iran.
US Special Envoy Paolo Zambolli told the Financial Times, “I can confirm that I suggested to Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Iran be replaced by Italy in the World Cup. I am from Italy, and it would be a dream to see the Italian national team in finals hosted by the United States. They have a proven track record of four titles that qualify them to participate.”
The White House, FIFA, the Italian Football Federation and the Iranian Football Federation did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
Italy suffered a shock last March when the national team missed out on the World Cup for the third time in a row after losing 4-1 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European play-offs for qualification.
The Financial Times reported that Iran issued a statement on Wednesday saying it was ready for the tournament and intended to participate.
Iran had announced earlier in April that it would not make a decision regarding the national team’s participation in the World Cup until it received a response from FIFA regarding moving its matches from the United States to Mexico.
