Crazy turn before the 2022 World Cup?

So Italy could still travel to Qatar

Created: 04/01/2022, 09:43

By: Christoph Klaucke

Italy failed in the World Cup qualification.

The European champion is now hoping to take part in the 2022 World Cup.

Munich - off, end, over!

Or not?

Italy did not qualify for the World Cup.

The European champions embarrassed themselves in the World Cup playoffs at home with 0-1 against outsiders North Macedonia.

Now the Italians can suddenly hope again and could still travel to Qatar for the World Cup.

This has to do with what is happening in Iran.

World Cup 2022: Italy senses a chance - disqualification for Iran?

After a scandalous game, Iran is threatened with exclusion from the World Cup.

Italy could be the beneficiary, according to Italian media reports.

The Football Association of Iran fears disqualification for the World Cup in Qatar after women were denied entry to the World Cup qualifier against Lebanon.

Originally, the Ministry of Sport and the association allowed 2000 women to watch the game (2-0) on Tuesday.

"We are hearing worrying news from FIFA and AFC," tweeted Mehrdad Seraj, board member of the Football Association of Iran on Wednesday.

If the Iranian national team were excluded from the World Cup, "then those who were involved in the bitter events in Mashad will be responsible".

The last qualifier of Iran, which has already qualified for the World Cup, was not played in the capital Tehran as usual, but in the religious city of Mashad in north-eastern Iran.

World Cup 2022: European champions Italy could still travel to Qatar.

© Pa Wire/dpa

Crazy turn before the 2022 World Cup?

So Italy could still travel to Qatar

"FIFA was concerned to hear reports that women were not allowed in the match in Mashad," the world governing body said on request.

FIFA pointed out that in October 2019, for the first time in 40 years, female spectators were allowed to watch football games in Iran.

This was also the case in Iran's World Cup qualifier against Iraq in January.

"And FIFA expects this to continue, there can be no going back," it said.

FIFA left possible sanctions open. 

According to Sky Italia, the return to old times could result in tough sanctions, up to and including a World Cup ban.

Should Iran really be excluded from the World Cup (all dates of the World Cup in the overview), a replacement candidate would have to be found.

The logical choice would then probably be Italy.

Because the Squadra Azzurra is also thanks to the European Championship title in sixth place in the world rankings.

World Cup 2022: Italy could move up for Iran

However, it is still questionable whether Iran will actually be deprived of World Cup participation for the scandal.

Never in the history of the World Cup has a country been excluded.

Four-time world champions Italy must hope for a premiere after missing the finals four years ago - but as we all know, hope dies last.

The draw for the group stage will take place on Friday.