America and Israel's joint attack on Iran in February and the subsequent war that has broken out has plunged the Middle Eastern country's place at this summer's World Cup into doubt.

Special envoy to Donald Trump suggested the idea ‘Firstly not possible … secondly not appropriate’ The Italian sports minister, Andrea Abodi, has described a proposal for his country to replace Iran at the World Cup as “not appropriate”, rejecting any idea that the Azzurri will be granted a last-minute berth at this summer’s tournament. On Wednesday it emerged that Paolo Zampolli, a special envoy to Donald Trump, had suggested Italy should be fast-tracked to the World Cup despite their shock defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina in last month’s playoffs. Zampolli proposed the four-time winners Italy replace Iran and said they would “have the pedigree to justify their inclusion”. But Abodi said football’s showpiece tournament should remain meritocratic.

Reazioni unanimi e contrarie rispetto alle parole rilasciate al Financial Times dall'inviato speciale del presidente degli Stati Uniti, Paolo Zampolli

An Iranian government spokesperson says the men's national team is preparing for "proud and successful participation" in its World Cup games in the United States.

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Donald Trump’s envoy has suggested that Italy could step in for Iran amid their ongoing conflict with the US

An envoy to US President Donald Trump has suggested that Iran be replaced by Italy at the World Cup in North America this summer and now governing body FIFA have responded

Iran plan 'proud participation' at World Cup - sports minister espn.in

Iran’s ability and willingness to go to the World Cup across north America starting June 11 has been unclear since the U.S. and Israel launched military attacks Feb. 28.

Fifa stands by comments made last week by president Gianni Infantino in which he said that "the Iranian team is coming, for sure".