Fifa officials have dismissed suggestions that Italy could replace Iran in the upcoming World Cup tournament. Governing body president Gianni Infantino stated that the Iranian men's national team is confirmed to attend the event, according to Sky Sports. The clarification follows calls from some activists to remove the nation from the competition due to domestic human rights issues.
Italy, who failed to qualify through the European play-offs, had been linked with a potential vacancy if a qualified member association faced suspension. However, Fifa senior figures indicated that such a replacement remains unlikely under current regulations, per Reuters. Infantino told reporters last week that the Iranian team is coming for sure.
The world governing body maintains that football should remain separate from political developments within member states. No formal proceedings to exclude Iran have been initiated by the Fifa Council. This decision ensures the group stages will proceed as originally drawn following the completion of the qualification rounds.
