Paolo Zampolli, the Ambassador, 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.
Iranian security forces are using lethal weapons to try and quell the situation, with the Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO estimating that at least 215 people, including 27 children, have been killed for taking part in the protests.
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 in full:
“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.
“The corridors of the United Nations and Washington are raising genuine concerns. As you may know, on September 22nd 2022 the OHCHR,the United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights addressed the concern over the continued violent response by security forces to protests in Iran. He also addressed communications restrictions affecting landline and mobile usage, the Internet, and social media platforms. Many Iranians have been killed, injured, and detained during the protests that erupted following the death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini; UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he had followed events closely. He called on security forces to stop using ‘unnecessary or disproportionate force.’
“FIFA remains silent on this issue – it will further undermine its standing, as it has already been unavailable to fix soccer for all of the United States of America. As you know, your counterpart Stefano Domenicali President of F1, canceled the F1 Grand Prix in Moscow. I personally facilitated Formula 1 in New York City. As the Soccer Representative President’s Council on sport, fitness, and nutrition, I labored tirelessly to move US soccer towards the international – FIFA – standards.
“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.
“With all respect, I remind you that you have the executive power to impact what is at hand significantly and positively. Therefore, I am confident you will make the best decision for the fans worldwide.
“I will share my message with my President and our government, the United Kingdom, and other counterparts in the hope that political support may aid you in speeding up the process.
“Most respectfully,
“Ambassador Paolo Zampolli.”
Unlikely to happen. But I do really wish they do that.
God, I hope this happens. Italy belong in the World Cup. As Euro champions, they deserve this.
Utter nonsense. Maybe they should concentrate on women’s rights in Saudi. Qatar could sent thousands of workers to their deaths and can still hold a World Cup. Hypocrisy of the worst order.
No Italy no party!
Trust me when I say this, I am extremely dissapointed that Italy is not in the world cup especially missing out on the last one. And it pains me not to see them. However, qualification is earned. We didn’t deserve to qualify, we couldn’t even beat North Macedonia. Secondly, womens rights has nothing to do with Football. What’s happening to women in Iran is terrible. What about the violations in Qatar, Saudi? And other countries across the globe? Why can’t they be “kicked out” of the world cup and give their spot to whoever is next in line? Stop looking for excuses of Italy’s failure. They didn’t qualify, they’re not going. Period. Besides, if a spot did open up it would be given to an Asian country not European based on the rules.
Football italia doesn’t put anything I write on here, which is highly annoying, i don’t swear or use insulting language yet nothing i write is ever put on. It’s boring!
Anyway, I agree with Karrar Shah, I’m Italian btw. I want italian football to change, by putting us in this world cup would mask the real failure and no change will follow.
Hopefully football italia post this!
Maybe Italy don’t deserve it but if Russia are banned from participating then Iran deserve to be banned too, since they are actively participating in the war on Ukraine by providing military aid to Russia and also killing child protesters in their own country.
Which country deserve to replace them is another matter. Maybe the next Asian country who finished behind them?
hahahahahaha
Pure fantasy ! Stop this nonsense it will never never happen! We are out of the World Cup but still European champions !
again with this nonsense… we live in clown world now, and FIFA undoubtedly is killing football. no italy AGAIN is so devastating for azzurri fans.
on an ironic sidenote i was in a Walmart last week and saw an “offical” Qatar 2022 licensed water bottle in sporting goods aisle. it had the flags of numerous teams and one was Italy ??? i shoulda purchased it.
Good luck on that one! Probability is near zero of Italy playing in the world cup!
In my humble opinion Iran must be banned from the Wrld Cup because of what is happening to Iranian protesters and of its involvement in the Russian invasion (i.e. Iran is providing the lethal drones that Russia savagely uses to destroy civilian infrastructures and buildings).
However, Iran as an Asian team must be replaced by another Asian team! Thus, the United Arab Emirates should replace Iran.