Donald Trump ally claims Italy may still replace Iran at World Cup just 35 days before tournament

A member of the Trump administration has doubled down on his stance after suggesting Italy should replace Iran at the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Despite the tournament, which will take place across North America – the US, Mexico and Canada – being just over one month away, Iran’s participation appears uncertain due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Conflict between the US and Iran is ongoing, although FIFA president Gianni Infantino has maintained that the Middle Eastern nation will fulfil all of their fixtures, with the nation’s group matches – against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand – all currently set to take place in the US.

President Donald Trump appears to be following Infantino’s lead, admitting that he is “OK” with Iran’s presence at the tournament as long as the FIFA boss “said it”.

Earlier in May, Infantino said: “Iran will play [in] the United States of America.”

Iran also submitted a request to move their matches to Mexico, which was turned down by FIFA.

Despite being blocked from FIFA’s Congress meeting in Vancouver last week, an Iranian delegation is due to meet with FIFA officials in Switzerland later this month ahead of the World Cup.

Speaking this week, Iran’s football chief Mehdi Taj asked for respect to be shown towards the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) if the nation does, in fact, take part in the tournament.

Trump envoy speaks out on Italy replacing Iran

Meanwhile, there have been suggestions from US special envoy Paolo Zampolli that Italy could replace Iran should they pull out.

In April, Milan-born Zampolli, who serves as the United States Special Representative for Global Partnerships, said: “I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup.

“I’m an Italian native, and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”

However, FIFA sources have confirmed they have no plans to replace Iran.

Zampolli has now doubled down on his stance during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

He said: “With Trump’s support, I contacted Infantino because FIFA regulations are flawed in the replacement of a team that doesn’t show up, and if Iran didn’t participate in the World Cup, Italy – which has won it four times and is the highest-ranked of the excluded teams – would meet the right requirements."

Zampolli added: “The key issue is understanding what the Iranians have in mind, as they are very difficult to trust.

“They now say the team will come, but what do we do about those following them, which is not very welcome in the United States, given what is happening? The game is still open.”

The World Cup gets underway on June 11 with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the tournament opener.