Trump envoy seeks to replace Iran with Italy in upcoming World Cup, FT reports - Reuters
Trump envoy seeks to replace Iran with Italy in upcoming World Cup, FT reports Reuters
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Notable Quotes
"I confirm I have suggested to Trump and (FIFA president Gianni) Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup."
— Paolo Zampolli , Executive
"I find President Trump’s remarks about the Holy Father unacceptable."
— Giorgia Meloni , Politician
"Do Italians like the fact that your prime minister isn’t giving us any help to get oil?"
— Donald Trump , Politician
"If the safety of the national team’s players in the United States is ensured, we will travel to the World Cup."
— Ahmad Donyamali , Politician
"I confirm I have suggested to Trump and [Fifa president Gianni] Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup."
— Paolo Zampolli , Executive
"I confirm I have suggested to Trump and (FIFA president Gianni) Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup."
— Paolo Zampolli , Executive
"For now, the decision is for the national team to be fully prepared for the World Cup."
— Mehdi Taj , Other
"I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup."
— Paolo Zampolli , Executive
"I confirm I have suggested to Trump and (Fifa president Gianni) Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup."
— Paolo Zampolli , Executive
Key People
Ahmad Donyamali is Iran’s Sports Minister.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
Gabriele Gravina is the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
President of FIFA.
Giorgia Meloni is the Premier of Italy.
President of the Iranian Football Federation.
Paolo Zampolli is a former modeling agent and special envoy.
All Coverage
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMitwFBVV95cUxQQm45aVJMRGdYRzVjRHdrOE9LNWc1ZnZSTTlSc3l5a1ZHQWMzQjVRX2JWYWRXNUVoanNUZ0lSMk9IT2RvVnBoS2hoMDFXSTBMTl8zcl9RZEMxRWE1SlVhMUh1MWhrT2hjVVZ4ckdVNUpER0lMczRVOWxCdk9oLUhETjZtLVdzSm14cEo0T0lfM3pyV0tmWWVCTWd3YmpPaXpkWEY0bm5oYmkxdHFLNTlOUzhjSnZNeVk?oc=5" target="_blank">Trump envoy seeks to replace Iran with Italy in upcoming World Cup, FT reports</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
In an effort to repair strained diplomatic ties between President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Trump's special envoy Paolo Zampolli proposed substituting Italy for Iran in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. This move aims to ease tensions that arose after Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war, leading to backlash from Meloni.
U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli has asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup. This proposal aims to repair ties between President Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following tensions over the Iran war and Trump's criticism of Pope Leo XIV.
A top envoy to U.S. President Donald Trump has asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup. The plan is an effort to repair ties between Trump and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after the two fell out amid the American president's attacks against Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war.
An envoy for President Donald Trump has reportedly asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the 2026 World Cup. The plan is an effort to repair the relationship between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which soured following the former’s comments against Pope Leo XIV regarding the war with Iran.
A top envoy to U.S. President Donald Trump has asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the coming World Cup. The plan is an attempt to mend ties with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, after she and Trump fell out over his attacks against Pope Leo.
Iran has announced it is fully prepared to participate in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, even as a senior Trump administration envoy asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, citing geopolitical tensions and safety concerns.
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