Italy’s repechage to the World Cup: Fifa deals a blow to the Azzurri. But it’s not over

The chances of Italy taking part in the World Cup to be staged in Canada, Mexico and the United States seem to be diminishing. During the Invest forum organized by CNBC, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that Iran will “definitely” take part in the World Cup, despite the ongoing conflict with the United States.

Infantino pointed out that Iran’s participation in the tournament is relevant, even though great doubts had emerged in recent times because of what is happening and worrying the whole world. “The Iranian team will definitely come,” Infantino said. “We hope that by then the situation will be peaceful. As I said, that would definitely help. But Iran has to participate. It represents its people, it has qualified and the players want to play.”

Infantino also explained that he met with the Iranian national team in Antalya, Turkey, about two weeks ago and reported positive impressions. “I went to visit them. They are also a pretty strong team,” he added. “And they really want to play, and it’s right for them to play. Sports should stay out of politics.”

“We don’t live on the moon, we live on Earth,” he concluded. “But if there is no one else who believes in building bridges and keeping them strong and united, then we are the ones to do this work.”