Italy rejects ‘shameful’ idea to replace Iran at World Cup

Italy Iran World Cup: Azzurri slam proposal to replace Iran as ‘shameful’
James Okafor | GlobalBeat

Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina rejected calls for Italy to replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup after protesters demanded Tehran’s expulsion over human rights violations.

Gravina called the idea “shameful” in a statement released late Tuesday, insisting Italy would never accept a backdoor entry into football’s premier tournament.

The controversy erupted after Iranian authorities arrested 12 football fans for celebrating during a recent qualifying match, adding to mounting international pressure over Tehran’s crackdown on civil liberties. Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 tournament after losing to North Macedonia in March.

“This suggestion is not only shameful but goes against every principle of sport,” Gravina told reporters in Rome. “Italy earns its place on the pitch, not through political maneuvering.”

The federation’s stance contrasts sharply with growing demands from human rights groups and some Italian politicians to exclude Iran from the tournament. Tehran’s clerical government has faced widespread criticism for its violent suppression of protests following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody last year.

Iran secured its World Cup berth last month by finishing second in its Asian qualifying group behind Saudi Arabia. The team faces potential disqualification if FIFA determines government interference in football operations violates the organization’s statutes.

Italian sports minister Andrea Abodi distanced himself from replacement proposals, telling parliament that sporting merit must determine World Cup participation. “We cannot politicize football to this degree,” Abodi said Wednesday morning.

The Iranian Football Federation did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Italy’s rejection.

FIFA regulations prohibit government interference in member associations, though the organization rarely enforces this rule against major nations. Iran previously faced expulsion threats in 2022 but avoided punishment after authorities backed down from dissolving the national federation.

Italian manager Luciano Spalletti supported Gravina’s position, arguing that sporting justice requires clear qualification standards. “We had our chance and we failed,” Spalletti told RAI Sport. “That is the end of the story.”

Italy last won the World Cup in 2006 but has suffered two straight group stage eliminations since then. The Azzurri also failed to qualify for the 2018 tournament, missing consecutive World Cups for the first time in the nation’s history.

Background

The Islamic Republic’s football team has served as flashpoint between Tehran and Western nations throughout the clerical government’s 45-year rule. Players faced arrest and punishment for celebrating goals against Israel during the 1998 World Cup, while female fans have long been banned from attending domestic matches.

FIFA has repeatedly warned Iran over government meddling but stopped short of suspension. The organization faces renewed pressure from European federations to address Tehran’s human rights record after Norway’s football association proposed boycotting matches against Iranian teams.

Italy’s qualification failures mark a stunning decline for a traditional football powerhouse. The Azzurri won 4 World Cups between 1934 and 2006 but have not advanced past the tournament’s opening round since claiming their fourth title in Germany 18 years ago.

What’s Next

FIFA will convene its executive committee next month to review Iran’s World Cup status but is expected to allow Tehran’s participation barring direct government interference in team selection. Italy must wait for 2030 qualifying to begin in 2028.