Italy’s repechage to the World Cup: Trump’s ultimatum to Iran draws a new scenario
When wars and loss of life occur, it is only natural that soccer takes a back seat. However, it is inevitable to consider the possible consequences on the World Cup that will begin on June 11 and will be played between Canada, Mexico and the United States. Fifa President Gianni Infantino continues to maintain that Iran’s presence is guaranteed, but the events of the last few hours make the situation for Team Mell increasingly entangled.
According to CNN, citing sources, JD Vance is expected to leave for Pakistan on Tuesday morning, while negotiations are scheduled for Wednesday. Shortly before, Trump had stated that “the talks should take place. I’m assuming no one is playing games at this point.”
Earlier in the day, Trump had returned to issuing threats: “We offer a fair deal, accept or we will destroy every single power plant and every single bridge in Iran.” Tehran had rejected these words. “We do not accept ultimatums. In case of an attack we will respond,” the Foreign Ministry spokesman was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency. In addition, the chairman of Iran’s Parliamentary Commission for National Security, Ebrahim Azizi, explained in an interview with Al Jazeera that if “positive signals” come from the United States, Tehran could send a delegation of negotiators to Islamabad.
On the strictly soccer front, the situation is no less complicated. Fifa has already rejected Iran’s request to transfer the group matches from the United States to Mexico. This had been made known by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who told Al-Jazeera: “Fifa Ripha finally decided that the matches cannot be moved from the original venues. Relocation would make the logistics too complicated.” Iran is placed in Group G along with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, and is expected to play two matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle, on the soil of a country that Tehran considers to be co-belligerent in the conflict along with Israel.
Also casting further shadow on Iranian participation is the affair of the pre-World Cup friendly against Puerto Rico, scheduled in early June also on U.S. soil. According to Persianfootball reports, the Puerto Rican Football Federation has reportedly sent a letter to its Iranian counterpart requesting a new memorandum of understanding and speculating on the possibility of canceling the match. Technical commissioner Amir Ghalenoei was banking heavily on this test match for the team’s preparation for the World Cup. In case of cancellation, Tehran could opt for a substitute opponent. It should be recalled that the Iranian national team will assemble in early May, with the last phase of preparation scheduled in Turkey before the move to the United States.
Among the candidates for repechage, Italy figures as the best team in the FIFA rankings among the non-qualified teams, currently ranked 12th. However, established practice would have it that the spot would be awarded to a selection from the Asian confederation itself, with the United Arab Emirates in pole position. FIFA regulations, in Article 6.7, however, leave any scenario open, stating that “FIFA will decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take any action it deems necessary.” Among the hypotheses circulated is that of a mini-tournament with two European and two Asian selections, which would also involve Nigeria and Bolivia, with a single World Cup berth up for grabs.
