EXCLUSIVE: Nigeria, Mali, one other European country appear as possible replacement for Tunisia; Ukraine calls on FIFA to exclude Iran

Controversy has surrounded the Qatari World Cup ever since the country was announced as the host of the 22nd iteration of the major football tournament in 2010.

We’re now less than a month away from the start of the tournament, yet we’re not exactly sure whether the 32 teams that have qualified for the 2022 World Cup finals will be the 32 teams that take to the field in Qatar.

Nigeria, Mali and Italy are all hoping to replace Tunisia if they are indeed suspended by FIFA meanwhile Ukraine is also calling on FIFA to exclude Iran, one of England’s group opponents, from the tournament due to the reported role they’re playing in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while Tunisia is also at risk of being banned from the game.

Tunisia has been warned by FIFA that they could be excluded from the upcoming World Cup in Qatar if their government intervenes in footballing matters.

All member federations must be free from any legal and political interference. Still, recent comments from the country’s Youth and Sports Minister, Kamel Deguiche, regarding the dissolution of the federal bureaux – which can also include the football federation – triggered a warning from FIFA.

The governing body believes Deguiche is attempting to meddle in the running of Tunisia’s Football Federation (FTF). A letter was sent to the FTF about FIFA’s concerns, which they expect a hasty response.

If FIFA does not receive the clarity they need regarding Deguiche’s comments, Tunisia risk being banned from the 2022 World Cup.

There’s plenty of speculation over who could replace Tunisia at the World Cup if they are indeed suspended by FIFA.

Hopeful Italian media outlets believe the Azzurri, who failed to qualify for the tournament after losing to North Macedonia in the playoffs, should take Tunisia’s place as they’re the highest-ranked nation that isn’t competing in Qatar. Roberto Mancini’s side is currently ranked sixth in the world.

However, a more likely scenario is that Tunisia is replaced by a fellow member of the African member association (CAF). If Italy replaces Tunisia, that would put three UEFA members into Group D, which is prohibited.

Nigeria is the highest-ranked CAF member that failed to qualify for the World Cup.

Mali may also have a shout of replacing Tunisia as they were beaten by the Eagles of Carthage 1-0 over two legs in their World Cup qualifier earlier this year.