Italy’s repechage to the World Cup, there is a possibility that would displease everyone

The standoff is clear and obvious and is driven by something much larger and more dangerous: negotiations between the United States and Iran scheduled for today, Wednesday, have been postponed. “The United States must end its ‘ceasefire violation’ before starting a new round of talks,” Iranian Ambassador to the UN Amir-Saeid Iravani told the Shargh newspaper, as reported by Al Jazeera. “Once the blockade is lifted, the next round of talks will take place in Islamabad.” Meanwhile, Trump has decided to extend the ceasefire until the Iranian proposal is submitted, stressing that “negotiations will be concluded one way or another.”

Tehran’s mistrust remains strong and, as things stand, the presence of the Iranian national team at the World Championships to be played from June 11 to July 19 in Canada, Mexico and the United States remains very uncertain. Speculation therefore continues almost everywhere as to which team will possibly replace Team Melli. There is also a rather remote possibility that is being considered, however: Fifa could choose to leave only three teams in Group G, namely Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. A choice that would displease everyone.

Iran by schedule should play the three matches in Los Angeles and Seattle, but it has already made it known through representatives of its government that it will not take the field on U.S. soil. And that is how the querelle has opened over which selection will take the place of the Iranian one: Italy is also in the running but another Asian team, that of the United Arab Emirates, remains in pole position.

However, there is no shortage of other selections that would gladly go to fill the vacancy: Cameroonian, Bolivian, Nigerian, and Danish fans have variously thrown themselves into the fray, while the attitude of the various federations is more cautious at this juncture in which great confusion reigns.