Italy’s repechage to World Cup, for Virgil never been so close

The issue related to Italy’s possible repechage for the World Cup to be held between the United States, Mexico and Canada starting in June continues to hold the headlines. The Azzurri, considering the current geopolitical situation, could take Iran’s place and thus be admitted to Group G along with New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt.

According to the web portal Virgilio, Italy’s repechage has never been so close considering especially the incident involving Iranian soccer federation president Mehdi Taj in Vancouver. The man, who arrived in Canada with a small delegation, was reportedly turned away at Toronto Pearson Airport after being subjected to what was called “unacceptable behavior by immigration officials.”

The federation claims that their treatment was “an insult to one of the most honorable organs of the Iranian armed forces” and that the delegation “returned to Turkey on the first available flight.”

In recent days, Sky journalist Fabio Caressa has been drastic on the issue of repechage: “Frankly, I find some videos I’ve seen of jubilation shameful. One does not exult. One respects the rules. Having said that, I think the percentage of getting repechaged at the moment is zero. I believe that the CONI leadership, Minister Abodi and all those who have spoken have done well to say that they would prefer not to be repechaged.”

“Iran out of the World Cup would mean that the war goes on, that sport loses its meaning of bringing people together even in times of difficulty. This is an important thing, much more important than a repechage of the national team,” Caressa concluded.