Paolo Zampolli, US President Donald Trump's special envoy for Global Partnerships, has put forward a remarkable proposal regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Modern.az reports that, according to "Financial Times", Zampolli has proposed to FIFA that Iran's national team's right to participate in the tournament be replaced by Italy.
"I confirm that I have proposed to Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy take Iran's place in the World Cup," he said.
Zampolli noted that he is of Italian descent and wishes to see the Italian national team in the tournament to be held in the USA.
According to him, Italy's four World Cup titles justify the country's inclusion in the tournament.
According to the information, the proposal came to the agenda against the background of the idea of replacing Italy, which could not qualify for the 2026 World Cup to be held in the USA, Mexico and Canada. This caused serious dissatisfaction in the country regarding Italy's exclusion from the World Cup for the third time in a row.
Regarding Iran's participation in the tournament, the country's Ministry of Sports stated that the national team's admission to the USA can only be possible if full guarantees are given for the safety of the players.
