The special representative of the US president explains: “Fifa regulations are incomplete, it is difficult to trust the Iranians. Trump doesn’t like losing, not even at golf…”
A character as powerful as he is discussed, Paolo Zampolli is Trump’s man who is putting pressure on Gianni Infantino to have Italy take Iran’s place in the World Cup to be held next June between the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Zampolli, you are the US special representative for global partnerships and sport. How does it work?
“I have two bosses: Donald Trump and Marco Rubio. The idea related to sport was the Secretary of State’s, because the Trump administration is based on business, business and business. Sport is a global key to opening many doors.”
You also tried to (re)open the doors of the World Cup to Italy.
“With Trump’s support, I contacted Infantino because the FIFA regulations are incomplete on the replacement of a team that does not show up and if Iran does not participate in the World Cup, Italy – which has won it 4 times and is the highest of the excluded in the ranking – would have the right requirements”.
But Infantino then said Iran would participate.
“Ok, but the crux is understanding what the Iranians have in mind, which is very difficult to trust. Now they say that the team will come, but what do we do with their following, which is very unwelcome in the United States given what is happening? The game is open…”.
The opportunity to go to the World Cup as an ‘ambush’ is dividing the country.
“I can understand it, but how do you think the Italians would react if the national team played in the World Cup? Would they cheer as only we know how to do or wouldn’t they watch the matches because we didn’t qualify on the field?”.
Is Trump cheating at golf by moving balls? He doesn’t like losing. For his 80th birthday he will host a UFC event at the White House
Do you plan to put more pressure on Infantino?
“I don’t think it’s necessary, even if time is running out. And last year I already convinced him to carry out the World Cup draw at the Trump-Kennedy Center.”
Having Italian origins puts Infantino in a complicated position.
“What if this could make things easier instead?”.
Let’s get to you, what sports do you play?
“I swim every day, I love diving. Otherwise I prefer to watch sporting events live rather than on TV. I follow football, basketball, tennis, Formula 1 and combat sports. I just got the first Dan as a black belt in judo.”
“I took some lessons when I was little, but with my diplomatic activity they would like me to be president of the American judo federation”.
Do you support any team?
“When I was young I went to the stadium in Curva Nord with the Boys. I’m happy that Inter won the scudetto, but I’m not a die-hard fan. I see sport as a means that unites and allows us to do business.”
What relationship does your friend Trump have with sport?
“He plays golf whenever he can.”
However, those who have been on the green with him claim that Trump cheats and moves the balls.
He laughs. “In fact, he’s not someone who likes to lose.”
The American president’s other passion is combat sports. So much so that for his 80th birthday he had an arena built at the White House for a martial arts event.
“We will host a stage of the UFC, Ultimate Fighting Championship”.
The recent shooting at the Hilton exposed the gaps in internal security. How will it be possible to manage the thousands of spectators who will enter the White House that day?
“The White House is the safest place in the world. In fact, President Trump also wanted to build the Ballroom, so he can host events directly at home.”
Returning to her, some aspects of her private life are controversial. His ex-wife (and former model) Amanda Ungaro, mother of his son, recently accused her of protecting Melania Trump in the Epstein affair, of being a liar and chauvinist.
“Poor thing, she hasn’t been well for years, she’s gotten into a lot of trouble. She even attacked our ‘Marvelous First Lady’ Melania, calling her a prostitute. There’s also an investigation into my ex recently opened by the FBI for extortion of 650 thousand dollars. And when the FBI moves…. I’m now used to certain things, they try to attack Trump through me. They even made up stories about one of my aunts.”
But the person who risks paying for the various arguments with his ex is your son, Giovanni.
“I let him go to his mother, but after a month he escaped from Brazil and joined me in Miami last weekend. He played golf with Trump and then I took him to see the F1 GP. How good Kimi Antonelli.”
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