A senior envoy to President Donald Trump has urged the global governing body of football to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup, according to the Financial Times. The proposal is reportedly part of an effort to mend strained relations between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following disagreements linked to the war involving Iran.

The envoy, Paolo Zampolli, said he suggested to Trump and the president of world football's governing body that Italy should take Iran's place, citing Italy's four World Cup titles and historic pedigree. Italy recently failed to qualify for the tournament after losing a playoff match on penalties, marking its third consecutive absence from the competition.

Iran has indicated it is preparing to participate in the tournament and plans to compete. It has also said it would decide on final participation after receiving clarification about a request to move its matches from the United States to Mexico. Relevant football authorities and government bodies have not publicly commented on the proposal.