Italy’s repechage to the World Cup: Abete steps out of the chorus

Former FIGC president Giancarlo Abete departs from statements by other institutions on Italy’s possible repechage to the 2026 World Cup, which will start in June in North America. Iran’s presence hangs in the balance, and Donald Trump’s envoy Zampolli’s pressure on FIFA to invite the Azzurri instead of Tehran’s selection has caused controversy.

“As fans one can only hope, as people who have a logic in which there are situations linked to a regulatory framework I have great perplexity. Anything can happen, but if, as I read, the subject makes the proposal for Trump I would not know where to start.”

The problem is first and foremost political: “I knew there was a situation linked to the representativeness of geographical areas. If I were a continent I would say that place belongs to a team from the same continent. I did not delve into it, I hoped I would not have to do it when I resigned in 2014, later there was a need to do it because we did not qualify for three consecutive times to the final stage of the World Cup.”

Coni president Luciano Buonfiglio by contrast had spoken out sharply against it: “First of all, I do not think it is possible,” said the top Italian sports executive on the sidelines of an event in Rome. Secondly, I would feel offended: participation in a World Cup should be deserved.”

Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti and Sports Minister Abodi had also said they were against it: “Today I read that Trump’s envoy wants to repechage Italy in the World Cup: I find this shameful. I would be ashamed,” said Giorgetti speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an appointment at the Quirinale.

The Iranian Embassy in Italy entrusted X with its response to American pressure: “Football belongs to the people, not to politicians. Italy won soccer greatness on the field, not through political rents. The attempt to exclude Iran from the World Cup only shows the ‘moral bankruptcy’ of the United States, which even fears the presence of eleven young Iranians on the field of play.”