- An envoy to United States President Donald Trump, Paolo Zampolli, proposed that Italy could replace Iran at the World Cup finals, despite Italy having failed to qualify for the tournament for a third successive time.
- Italy's sports minister, Andrea Abodi, firmly rejected the suggestion, stating it was both "not possible and secondly, not appropriate" and that "qualification is done on the pitch."
- The idea emerged after Iran's involvement in the finals became uncertain following US and Israel air strikes on the country, which led to retaliatory attacks by Iran.
- Zampolli confirmed to the Financial Times that he had discussed the concept of four-time winners Italy stepping in with Donald Trump and Fifa president Gianni Infantino.
- Fifa declined to comment on the report, although Infantino had previously affirmed that Iran would "for sure" compete, while Donald Trump has offered mixed signals regarding Iran's participation.
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