Idman.biz
The proposal addressed to FIFA by Paolo Dzampolli, the special representative of the US government, regarding the exclusion of Iran and the inclusion of Italy in the 2026 World Cup, has been met with strong reaction in Italy.
İdman.Biz reports that the Italian sports administration and the football community have called this idea impossible and unethical.
Luciano Bonfiglio, the head of the Italian National Olympic Committee, called the proposal ridiculous:
"To qualify for the World Cup, you have to fight on the field. If we go to the tournament for political reasons, I would consider it an insult to myself."
Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi also commented on the issue, stressing that such an invitation is not worthy of the country's glory:
"A World Cup ticket is won on the football field."
Italian experienced expert, former head coach of "Torino" and "Udinese" Gianni de Biasi used even harsher expressions against the US president. He said that Italy does not need Donald Trump's support in such a matter:
"This is an absurd proposal. If Iran does not participate in the tournament, logically it should be replaced by the team that follows it in the selection stage. We can handle our own business."
