Trump envoy: Replace Iran with Italy

Diplomat Paolo Zampolli has sparked a sports-political firestorm by lobbying for Italy to be handed a World Cup spot at the expense of war-torn Iran.

The suggestion comes just 49 days before the tournament begins in North America, despite Iran having already qualified and confirmed its 'proud participation.' Italian football officials have reacted with a mix of embarrassment and apathy, noting that the 'Azzurri' failed to qualify on the pitch for the third successive time.

FIFA has so far maintained that there are no plans for such a swap, despite the escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.