Football Politics Peaks As Italy Rejects Trump Envoy’s Plan To Keep Iran Out Of FIFA World Cup
A World Cup storm nobody saw coming. Trump's special envoy Paolo Zampolli confirmed he asked FIFA to dump Iran and hand Italy their spot at the 2026 World Cup — a tournament Italy failed to qualify for, again. Rome was not impressed. Sports Minister Abodi called it impossible and inappropriate. The Olympic Committee chief called it offensive. Meanwhile, Washington drew its own line — Iranian footballers can enter the US, but any IRGC-linked personnel travelling with the team cannot. Secretary of State Rubio put it bluntly. FIFA president Infantino, however, insists Iran is coming. As the US-Israel war on Iran drags on and the tournament opener looms on June 11, football's biggest stage has become geopolitics' newest battleground. Italy doesn't want in through the back door. And FIFA isn't opening one.
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