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United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Iran’s football team will be welcome at this year’s FIFA World Cup, distancing Washington from suggestions that Italy could replace them in the tournament.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, Rubio dismissed claims that the US government had asked Iran not to participate. He said clearly that no official from Washington had blocked the team’s entry.
“No-one from the US has told them they can’t come,” Rubio said, signalling that the Iranian national side remains eligible to compete at the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
However, Rubio added that concerns may arise over non-playing members of Iran’s delegation. According to him, individuals believed to have ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Washington classifies as a terrorist group, could face entry restrictions.
“The problem with Iran, it would be not their athletes, it would be some of the other people they would want to bring with them,” Rubio said. “We may not be able to let them in, but not the athletes themselves.”
His remarks came after Italian-American businessman Paolo Zampolli reportedly suggested that Italy could take Iran’s place if Tehran withdrew. Zampolli told the Financial Times it would be a “dream” to see Italy in the finals despite their failure to qualify.
The proposal was swiftly rejected in Italy. Sports Minister Andrea Abodi said reinstating Italy was “not possible” and “not appropriate,” insisting teams must qualify “on the pitch.”
Italy Olympic Committee President Luciano Buonfiglio echoed that stance, saying: “You have to earn your place in the World Cup.”
Iran’s place in the tournament had come under scrutiny following heightened tensions involving the US and Israel. Earlier this year, Iran’s football federation said it had discussed moving its matches from the US to Mexico.
But Gianni Infantino has repeatedly insisted Iran will participate and play where the draw assigned them. FIFA also referred enquiries this week back to those earlier comments, reinforcing its position that Iran remains in the competition.
