Italy dismiss proposals to replace Iran in FIFA World Cup; Sports minister cites sporting integrity
Italy dismiss proposals to replace Iran in FIFA World Cup; Sports minister cites sporting integrity
By Nawaz Gohar ; The Italian government has officially dismissed reports suggesting that the Italian national football team could replace Iran in the FIFA World Cup.
According to international media reports, Italy’s Sports Minister, Andrea Abodi, stated that decisions regarding FIFA World Cup qualification are made on the football pitch and should remain there. He clarified that Italy joining the World Cup in place of Iran is neither possible nor appropriate.
The speculation intensified after a close associate of U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that a formal demand had been made to FIFA to include Italy in the tournament at Iran’s expense.
However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has strongly denied allegations that the United States is attempting to disqualify Iranian athletes from the World Cup. The Secretary of State maintained that the U.S. is taking no action to hinder or prevent Iranian players from participating in the event.
Despite this assurance, Marco Rubio expressed significant security concerns, stating firmly that members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) or any extremist elements attempting to enter the country under the guise of journalists during the FIFA World Cup will strictly not be permitted entry.
