Italy rejects replacing Iran at World Cup

Italy has publicly rejected a U.S. envoy's suggestion to replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup.

Sources

3 verified

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Updated

Thursday, 23 April 2026 at 15:51 UTC

No media · text-only dispatch

Synthesis · 3 sources

A senior envoy to President Donald Trump, U.S. Special Envoy for Global Partnerships Paolo Zampolli, formally requested FIFA replace Iran with Italy at the 2026 World Cup. In response, Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi has publicly rejected the proposal, stating the four-time champion is not interested. The dismissal underscores the political tensions surrounding Iran's participation in global sporting events amid the ongoing conflict.

Updates · 2

5d ago@Worldsource24

The incoming message provides a direct quote from Sports Minister Andrea Abodi reinforcing Italy's position.

5d agoOur News, Today

The AP report confirms Italy's official rejection, quoting the sports minister's statement.

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