US President Donald Trump stated that Washington does not intend to prevent Iranian athletes from participating in the upcoming World Cup.
At the same time, media reports emerged about a possible replacement of Iran with the Italian national team, which failed to qualify, CNN reports.
The Iranian team is scheduled to play matches against New Zealand, Egypt, and Belgium – two games are planned in Los Angeles, and one in Seattle.
Against this backdrop, US special envoy Paolo Zampolli confirmed that he had proposed the idea of replacing Iran with Italy to President Trump and FIFA head Gianni Infantino. At the same time, he noted that this was only an initiative, not an official decision, and added that, in his opinion, Iran might not participate in the tournament.
Despite the war, Tehran states that it intends to participate in the championship and is looking for ways to ensure the team's safe participation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that there is no ban on Iran's participation.
"The problem with Iran is not their athletes. The problem is with some other people they might want to bring with them," he said, referring to possible ties of individuals to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
He also called the information about replacing Iran with Italy speculation and added that the decision on participation in the tournament ultimately depends on the Iranian side itself.
