• 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 & 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 that football?s showpiece tournament should remain meritocratic.
Continue reading...

More...