Although it has been said time and time again that politics has no place in sports, unfortunately, due to recent world events, it appears that the two worlds overlap more than many would like.
The conflict in Eastern Europe between Russia and Ukraine continues to wage on, and due to Russia's instigation and continued efforts to prolong the ongoing war, Russian football teams have been banned from international competition for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, Iran have been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Whether it be the country, as per numerous reports, supplying Kamikaze-like drones to Russia to help Russian troops in the war effort in Ukraine or the nation-wide protests that have been taking place following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody, there are some who feel that Iran, like Russia, should be blocked from taking place in international football events.
Hundreds of people - some estimate close to 300 - have died in Iran due to protests after Ms. Amini's death, who, accoring to multiple reports, died on September 16th after being arrested about three days prior (on September 13th) for wearing her hijab "improperly". The death of the 22-year-old last month has sparked outrage worldwide, and brought into focus concerns about the treatment of women in Iran as a widespread humanitarian issue that threatens to overshadow the national team as they prepare to take part in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar next month.
One individual vocal in their concerns is none other than Paolo Zampolli, an Italian businessman who currently serves as the Ambassador, Permanent Mission of Dominica to the United Nations.
Zampolli has written a letter to FIFA President Infantino to try to push for Iran to be excluded from the World Cup and Italy to be given a spot at the event in Qatar
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In a letter written to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the 57-year-old businessman, who built his career largely in the United States, noted that Iran's human rights issues should exclude them from the World Cup so as not to be a "negative political [distraction]."
Moreover, and not surprisingly, he advocates for Iran's spot to be taken by Italy, who currently are the highest ranking side to miss out on the World Cup. The Azzurri failed to qualify for their second straight tournament after suffering a shock loss in the play-offs to minnows North Macedonia, and for the second consecutive World Cup, will have to watch the tournament from afar. The failure of Roberto Mancini's men to qualify sent massive shock waves throughout Italy, especially since the team had ended their long wait for continental glory by winning EURO 2020 in the summer of 2021.
In any case, it remains to be seen whether Iran, who are not expected to progress beyond the group stage as they face a stern test against England, the United States, and Wales will be banned. Although, it can be assumed that with the World Cup just around the corner, that actually coming to pass seems highly unlikely. Hosts Qatar have been accused repeatedly of human rights abuses, with some feeling that the tournament should go elsewhere. The protests and complaints have come to naught, and Qatar will be expected to put on a dynamic show as people convene from all over the world to attend the World Cup in November and December.
