Donald Trump envoy claims FIFA regulations flawed in push for Italy to replace Iran at World Cup

U. S. President Donald Trump's special representative for global partnerships, Paolo Zampolli, continues to push for Italy to take Iran's place at the upcoming FIFA World Cup -Credit:Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images United States special representative for global partnerships, Paolo Zampolli, remains determined in his campaign for Iran's substitution at the FIFA World Cup with his homeland, Italy.

The Italian-American acknowledges that the window for any eleventh-hour change by FIFA is closing, but maintains it is extremely challenging to have confidence that the Iranian squad will appear. Zampolli, 56, states he secured U. S.

President Donald Trump's backing when reaching out to FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding Italy taking Iran's place . Infantino, however, keeps asserting that Team Melli will participate . Nevertheless, Zampolli characterizes FIFA's rules concerning replacement nations as inadequate.

That, he explains, is the reason he contacted Infantino. Broadcaster posts job listing for ‘Chief World Cup Watcher’ to be based in Times Square FIFA World Cup stadium boss pledges ‘to honor’ supporters by keeping concession prices ‘low’ Zampolli has claimed, 'FIFA regulations are flawed in the replacement of a team that doesn't show up' -Credit:Paul Morigi/Getty Images In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport , Zampolli said: "With Trump's support, I contacted Infantino because FIFA regulations are flawed in the replacement of a team that doesn't show up. "If Iran didn't participate in the World Cup, Italy - which has won it four times and is the highest-ranked of the excluded teams -would meet the right requirements.