Italy has rejected a US proposal suggesting that Iran may replace Iran’s national football team at the upcoming FIFA World Cup amid the conflict in West Asia. Stating that such a move was neither possible nor appropriate, Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi said it would be shameful to replace Iran.

Italy’s Olympic Committee President Luciano Buonfiglio also rejected the suggestion, stressing that qualification must be earned on merit. “I would feel offended,” Buonfiglio said. “You need to deserve to go to the World Cup,” Bonfiglio said. Italy’s Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti also reacted to the US-official’s suggestion by calling the idea “shameful.” Italy had missed out on World Cup qualifying last month.

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The proposal was reportedly floated by US envoy Paolo Zampolli as a contingency if Iran withdraws. Though FIFA has maintained that Iran’s matches in the United States will proceed as scheduled, concerns persist over US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s statement that accompanying personnel might be barred.

However, Italy has pushed back hard at the suggestion of replacing Iran. “Italy’s possible re-qualification for the 2026 World Cup … is firstly, not possible and secondly, not appropriate. I don’t know what comes first. Qualification is on the pitch,” the Italian ports Minister said.

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