Italy’s repechage to World Cup, precedent only creates confusion
FIFA is not releasing its reservations, and so the question of repechaging a team that would take Iran’s place in the World Cup that will be staged in North America from June 11 to July 19 continues to hold sway. If one looks at history, there is not exactly equal precedent at the World Cup. The most recalled example these days is that of Denmark at the 1992 European Championships, when it was repechaged in place of Yugoslavia and went on to win the tournament. Although the Uefa ranking was already in place, the decision fell on the Danes as the first team among those who did not qualify: a precedent that only creates confusion because it is unworkable for a World Cup.
The proposal to replace Iran with Italy had been put forward by Paolo Zampolli, special envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump, and had found a foothold in FIFA’s chambers. According to statements made last March 10 by Rene Meulensteen, Iraq’s deputy technical commissioner, the World Federation has been considering this hypothesis for some time: “There are also rumors that, if FIFA were to make the final decision, it could push the team with the highest FIFA ranking to replace Iran, namely Italy.” FIFA regulations, in Article 6.7, however, leave any scenario open, stating that “FIFA will decide on the matter at its sole discretion and will take whatever action it deems necessary.”
Among the concrete hypotheses on the table is an intercontinental mini-tournament that would involve Italy and Denmark among the Europeans — 13th and 20th respectively in the FIFA rankings — as well as Asian representatives such as the United Arab Emirates and Oman. However, there is no shortage of those who are cooling their enthusiasm: RAI commentator Alberto Rimedio pointed out that the first alternative to Iran might not be European, but rather another Asian selection, with the United Arab Emirates in the front row as the first of the unqualified Asians after losing the playoff to Iraq. Bolivia has also made its voice heard, with the La Paz-based federation ready for an official challenge at FIFA should it be excluded from a possible repechage tournament.
From Iran, meanwhile, signs continue to come in of a firm desire to participate in the World Cup. The technical commissioner of “Team Melli” Amir Ghalenoei expressed himself bluntly: “There is no reason not to participate in the World Cup. God willing, we will do it.” The Iranian national team has planned a preparation friendly against North Macedonia in Turkey, where the team left May 20 for its last internship before moving to the United States. The preparation opponents could surprisingly include Spain, current European champions. Iran will then face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 16 and 21, respectively, closing the round with Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
On the diplomatic front, the main issue would not be the athletes themselves, as U.S. Secretary of State Rubio pointed out, “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 cannot do is bring a group of Revolutionary Guards terrorists into our country and pretend that they are journalists and athletic trainers.” Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali reiterated 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 Council for National Security.
The affair has caused more embarrassment than excitement in Italy. According to an Izi poll of 1,024 people, about 70 percent of Italians oppose a possible repechage in Iran’s place: 40 percent believe that Italy does not deserve to qualify 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 also confirmed by the Gazzetta dello Sport poll of over 27 thousand voters, where the option against repechage overwhelmed with 78.3 percent of the votes. Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti was lapidary: “I find it shameful. I would be ashamed,” while CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio said he felt “offended” at the idea, stressing that “participation in a World Cup should be deserved.” A voice partially out of the chorus is that of former FIGC president Giancarlo Abete, who, while expressing “great perplexity” about the regulatory plan, left a glimmer open: “As fans, one can only hope.”
Iranian diplomacy, for its part, has not failed to make its voice heard in stinging tones. The Iranian embassy in Ghana published an ironic post on X addressed to Italians: “Dear Italy, that man, allergic to civilization, has become jealous and offered you something about a sport he neither likes nor understands. We know you love soccer too much to even consider such an offer.” A message that closes with a good-natured provocation, “Let’s leave him to his confusion and get back to the bickering that only true civilizations understand.” FIFA is expected to lift the reservation by early May.
