Overview
- FIFA, which pointed Thursday to Gianni Infantino’s recent comment that “The Iranian team is coming, for sure,” dismissed the idea of parachuting Italy into Iran’s place.
- U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli confirmed to the Financial Times that he urged President Donald Trump and Infantino to install Italy, framing it as both a political gesture and a football decision.
- Iranian federation chief Mehdi Taj said the team is preparing to take part, while Iran has asked FIFA to shift its U.S.-based group matches to Mexico over safety and visa concerns.
- FIFA’s Article 6 gives the governing body sole authority to replace a team if one withdraws, and reporting says the Asian confederation would press for an Asian replacement such as the United Arab Emirates.
- Italy missed out after a March play-off loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Italy’s sports minister Andrea Abodi said a backdoor entry is not possible or appropriate.