According to Italian authorities, Italy still has a chance to play in the next World Cup to be held this year in Qatar.

Roberto Mancini's team failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup for the second time in a row after losing 1-0 in the "play-off" to Northern Macedonia in March.

But the reigning European champions could be given a place in Qatar if Ecuador is removed from the tournament.

Ecuador is under investigation by FIFA over allegations that an unqualified player appeared in the World Cup qualifiers.

Chile claims that Byron Castillo of Ecuador is in fact Colombian and has falsified his age.

If true, FIFA rules say the South American national team could lose their place in the World Cup.

Franco Chimenti, a former member of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), is still caught up in the hope that four-time World Cup winners will play in the World Cup and sees a 'concrete' chance.

"There is still a chance to see Italy in the World Cup and it is more concrete than people think," Chimenti initially told

Football Italia

.

"Apparently, Ecuador has used a player who was not allowed to be on the field and can pay for it."

Cement then explains how Italy could be offered a way back to the World Cup by the world body's main body.

"If it happens, another country should replace it and FIFA rules say that the highest place in the FIFA rankings should be invited and at the moment, it is Italy", concluded Chimenti.

Italy, who won Euro 2020 last summer, have not been in a World Cup since 2014. They lost a place in Russia and, for the time being, will not be in Qatar.

/ Telegraphy /