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UN Ambassador calls on FIFA to replace Iran in World Cup with Italy

27 October 2022 09:43 (UTC +04:00)

Paolo Zampolli, the Ambassador, the Permanent Mission of Dominica to the United Nations, has called on FIFA president Gianni Infantino to replace Iran with Italy at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.

Iran are set to compete in the upcoming World Cup, being assigned to Group B alongside England, Wales, and the United States. The country is currently embroiled in political turmoil as protests rage on regarding the rights on women in the country.

Zampolli wrote a letter to FIFA president Infantino on Sunday, calling for Iran to be excluded from the upcoming World Cup and replaced with Italy, who are the highest-ranked national team not competing in the tournament.

Below is Ambassador Zampolli’s letter to Infantino:

“Dear Mr. President, Caro Gianni,

“Once again, the world is demanding your immediate leadership actions to disqualify Iran from the World Cup. You, along with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, took the stands against The Super League. The FIFA world should not be shadowed by negative political news for the billions of fans worldwide. This could presumably affect the victorious work you and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani have notably accomplished.

“On a personal note, the world and I have dreamt, and I am confident, would benefit from the success of The World Cup to have Italy play against England after you disqualify Iran. From my understanding, Italy is the first in line in FIFA rankings."