Italy’s repechage to World Cup, result of an'investigation creates stir
FIFA continues to stall on whether or not Iran will participate in the World Cup-a standoff that is understandable in light of what is happening between the United States, incidentally one of the venues for the World Cup that will be staged from June 11 to July 19, and the Asian country. On the military side, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed that if a satisfactory agreement is not reached, the U.S. military is ready to return to strike Iran. He also made it clear that the blockade of Iranian ports will continue as long as it is deemed necessary.
U.S. Central Command pointed out on X that, for the first time in many years, three aircraft carriers are operating simultaneously in the Middle East: the USS Abraham Lincoln, the Gerald R. Ford and the George H.W. Bush. Trump, for his part, urged caution, calling for no rushing and reiterating that he wants to reach a solid and lasting understanding.
The Gazzetta dello Sport, on its online edition, meanwhile, created a poll. “Would you be happy if Italy was repechaged for the World Cup?” it asked its readers. The outcome of the survey, which has just closed, is already creating a stir. The “No, the World Cup should have been won on the field” option overwhelmed with 78.3 percent. Only 22.7 percent said “Yes, it would be a great opportunity for the country.” More than 27,000 people cast their votes.
Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti was blunt: “Today I read that Trump’s envoy wants to repechage Italy in the World Cup: I find this shameful. I would be ashamed.” On the same wavelength is CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio: “First of all, I don’t think it’s possible. Second, I would feel offended: participation in a World Cup should be deserved.” Journalist Enrico Mentana also entrusted his disappointment to social media, speaking of a prospect that is “sleazy and unfair, and offensive to our sports history.” A voice partially out of the chorus is that of former FIGC president Giancarlo Abete, who while expressing “great perplexity” about the regulatory plan, did not completely close to hope: “As fans, one can only hope. Anything can happen, but if, as I read, the subject makes the proposal for Trump I would not know where to start.” Abete then emphasized the issue of geographic representativeness: “If I were a continent I would say that place belongs to a team from the same continent.”
FIFA will have to dissolve its reservation by the end of April or early May. Among the hypotheses on the table is a mini-qualifying tournament that would involve Italy and Denmark among the Europeans, as well as Asian, African and South American representatives, to fill the one spot that may remain vacant. In pole position for a direct replacement for Iran, however, would remain an Asian selection, with the United Arab Emirates in the front row.
