Italy’s repechage to the World Cup, Putin and Russia also come forward
Russia is also moving diplomatically in relation to the conflict in Iran, which is creating great concern and is also having repercussions on the World Cup to be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States between June and July: it is still unclear whether Iran will also take part, and more than one soccer federation is cradling the dream of being able to take Team Melli’s place in the group that will also feature Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in St. Petersburg in talks that lasted about ninety minutes. At the end, Araghchi called the meeting “very positive.” Presidential Advisor Yuri Ushakov pointed out that the face-to-face meeting between Putin and the Iranian representative did not arouse opposition in the United States. Moscow also reiterated its readiness to host Iranian enriched uranium stockpiles on its territory, a possibility that has returned to the center of attention just after the recent meeting between the two sides.
Russia, which four years ago sparked a conflict by attacking Ukraine, was ousted by Fifa from the race to North America.
On the soccer front, Iran’s position remains as uncertain as ever. Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said that “if the safety of the national team players in the United States is guaranteed, we will leave for the World Cup,” pointing out that the final decision will be up to government authorities together with the Supreme National Security Council. Team Melli technical commissioner Amir Ghalenoei bluntly stated, “There is no reason not to participate in the World Cup. God willing, we will do it.” Signs of a willingness to be there, then, but one that clashes with the enormous diplomatic and logistical difficulties associated with the presence of an Iranian delegation on U.S. soil.
The main issue, as U.S. Secretary of State Rubio made clear, would not be about the athletes themselves: “The problem would not be the athletes. It would be some of the other people Iran would like to bring, some of whom have ties to the Revolutionary Guards. What they can’t do is bring a group of Revolutionary Guards terrorists into our country and pretend that they are journalists and athletic trainers.” It is a position that makes the picture even more complicated to unravel, with FIFA expected to lift the reservation by early May.
The affair has, however, aroused more embarrassment than enthusiasm in Italy. According to an Izi poll of more than 1,000 people, about 70 percent of Italians opposed a possible repechage in Iran’s place: 40 percent believe the national team does not deserve qualification and that it would be undignified to participate in this way, while a further 30 percent see Iran’s possible exclusion as a political choice not to be supported. Data confirmed by the Gazzetta dello Sport poll of over 27 thousand voters, where the option against repechage overwhelmed with 78.3 percent of the vote. Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti was lapidary: “I find it shameful. I would be ashamed,” while Sky commentator Fabio Caressa added, “I find some videos I have seen of jubilation shameful. One does not exult. You respect the rules.”
