'Three consecutive qualification failures humiliation' Italy's dramatic World Cup entry rumors → FIFA statement: "No reversal whatsoever"

*This content was translated by AI.

There will be no radical change in the number of World Cup participating nations. Although Donald Trump's side proposed a radical plan to expel Iran from the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup and replace it with Italy, FIFA is reported to have no plans to accept this proposal.

The British media outlet 'BBC' reported on the 24th (Korea time) citing sources that "FIFA has no plans to pursue the U.S. president's special envoy's proposal." Earlier, U.S. Special Envoy Paolo Zampoli stated in an interview with 'Financial Times' that "he proposed to President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Italy should participate in the World Cup in place of Iran."

It was a misstep from the start. Envoy Zampoli's attempt to bring Italy into the World Cup was due to U.S. diplomatic issues. According to 'BBC' and others, after President Trump recently made aggressive remarks toward Pope Leo XIV, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly criticized them, worsening relations between the two countries. Envoy Zampoli, who is of Italian origin, is interpreted as having tried to gift his homeland, which failed to qualify for the World Cup finals, with a participation ticket as a card to restore relations.

However, FIFA's stance is firm. Infantino, FIFA President, recently stated in Washington that "the Iran national team will definitely head to the United States for the North American World Cup," drawing a line against political controversy. Additionally, In Pan-ti-no (Chairman) emphasized, "Sports must remain outside of politics. Iran has legitimately passed the World Cup qualifiers and has the right to compete representing their people." 'BBC' also noted that while FIFA regulations Article 6 grant FIFA the discretionary authority to decide on a replacement team if a team is excluded, Iran's status as a participating nation remains solid for now.

Even within Italy, there is a strong negative sentiment toward this proposal. Giancarlo Jorge, Italy's Gyeong Je-bu (Minister), criticized the U.S. envoy's remarks as "shameful," and Andrea Abodi, Minister of Sports, also expressed displeasure, stating, "It is neither possible nor appropriate. World Cup participation tickets must be earned on the field." Luciano Buonfiglio, President of the Italian Olympic Committee, also clearly expressed his opposition to World Cup participation, saying, "I feel insulted instead."

Even the Iranian side strongly condemned these U.S. moves. The Iranian Embassy in the United States stated via social networking services (SNS) that "Italy's greatness in football was built on the field, not obtained through political privileges," and pointed out that this "reveals the moral bankruptcy of a country that even fears 11 Iranian youths stepping onto the field." Iranian Jeong Bu (Spokesperson) Fatemeh Mohajerani also stated, "Iran has perfectly prepared for World Cup participation."

Meanwhile, Italy suffered the humiliation of failing to qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time in its history, losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in last month's European regional playoffs. Currently, Iran has discussed relocating match venues due to safety concerns arising from the aftermath of the war with Israel and the United States, but it is scheduled to play group stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Los Angeles and Seattle, United States, as planned.

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*This content was translated by AI.