Trump envoy asks FIFA to replace Iran with Italy

A senior envoy to President Donald Trump has formally requested that FIFA, the world football governing body, replace Iran with Italy at the next World Cup. The request, reported by the Financial Times, was made by U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli, who told the newspaper he suggested the idea to both Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Zampolli, an Italian native, said it would be "a dream" to see Italy's national team at a U.S.-hosted tournament, citing Italy's four World Cup titles as justification for inclusion. The request comes amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, though FIFA has not publicly responded to the proposal.