Tensions are running high as a key envoy to Donald Trump has reportedly urged FIFA to remove Iran from the World Cup lineup, proposing that Italy take their place. This request comes in the wake of escalating conflicts involving the United States and Iran, following a joint military operation by the US and Israel against Iran in February. The ensuing hostilities have cast a shadow over Iran’s participation in the upcoming World Cup, set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer.

Initially, there were rumors circulating that Iran might voluntarily withdraw from the tournament. However, these speculations have subsided after a direct meeting between Iran’s soccer federation and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. During this meeting, Infantino assured that FIFA would provide support to help the Iranian team prepare for the competition, despite the national league being on hold due to the ongoing conflict.

Adding fuel to the fire, US special envoy Paolo Zampolli, originally from Milan, has taken an active role by suggesting to both Infantino and Trump that Italy should fill any potential vacancy left by Iran. Zampolli’s rationale is grounded in Italy’s illustrious World Cup history, having secured the title four times, even though the Italian team failed to qualify for this year’s tournament. His suggestion seems to be a strategic move to mend the frayed relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following a disagreement over Trump’s comments about Pope Leo XIV in relation to the Iran conflict.

Infantino, who is Swiss-Italian, also said at a conference in Washington last week: ‘The Iranian team is coming, for sure. We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful (one). That would definitely help. ‘But Iran has to come if they are to represent their people. They have qualified… They really want to play, and they should play.’ Iran qualified for the World Cup as one of eight teams from the Asian Football Confederation, while Italy failed to secure one of the 16 European spots. It marks the third consecutive World Cup they have not qualified for, coming as a disaster for the 2021 European champions. According to FIFA’s rule book, the governing body has ‘sole discretion’ to decide what action to take if Iran were to boycott the World Cup this summer.

‘FIFA may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another association,’ the rules state. The organization used its powers to hand a spot at last summer’s Club World Cup to Inter Miami and enable soccer legend Lionel Messi to play in the process, despite the MLS franchise not achieving anything in recent years to warrant automatic inclusion. The World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11, with the final taking place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. Iran’s first group game comes against New Zealand on June 15, before they face Belgium on June 21 and Egypt on June 26.