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.”