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ROME, ITALY – JUNE 03: Minister of Sport Andrea Abodi attends during the 1st SS Lazio conference: bullying and cyberbullying in schools and sports at the Olimpic stadium on June 03, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Italian Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi admits that seeing Italy replace Iran at the World Cup is highly unlikely, ‘and I wouldn’t even hope for it.’
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Italy have missed out on the third consecutive World Cup, but there are reports that the Azzurri could replace Iran over the summer if the Asians refuse to play in the competition due to the ongoing war with the USA and Israel.
Minister for Sport Abodi, however, has admitted that such a scenario is unlikely.
“It’s a continental matter,” Abodi told reporters on Thursday viaFcInter1908.
“It really seems very difficult to me that there could be an issue, unless one arises within Europe.”
Asked whether the Azzurri should expect developments from other continents to be re-admitted in the competition, Abodi replied: “I don’t think so, and I wouldn’t even hope for it.”
If Iran were to withdraw from the World Cup, FIFA would choose the replacement. Even though Italy are the highest-ranked among those who have not qualified, the most likely scenario is that another Asian team would take Iran’s place.
ByLorenzo Bettoni
Lorenzo Bettoni is the Editor of Football Italia.
