THE Minister of Culture of Italy she confirmed that she spoke with her “boss”. Tesla Elon Musk about organizing a “Roman-themed” charity event, after the businessman had earlier said his planned “clash” with Facebook owner Mr. Mark Zuckerbergcould be hosted in the Colosseum.

The Italian minister, however, complicated rather than clarified the situation by saying that the event would not take place in Rome and did not specify what form it would take or when it would be held.

Musk and Zuckerberg have been “challenging” each other to a caged martial arts match since last June. At one point Musk said they could fight in the Coliseum and today he said their fight will have a “Roman” theme. “Everything in the setting will be reminiscent of ancient Rome, nothing modern will be there. I spoke to the Prime Minister of Italy and the Minister of Culture. They agreed on an epic location,” the Tesla CEO said in a post on Platform X.

Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano later confirmed that he had spoken with Musk and they discussed organizing “a big, charitable event that will evoke historical memories” but respect the heritage sites.

“It won’t happen in Rome. Most importantly, a large amount, several million euros, is expected to be donated to two Italian pediatric hospitals to strengthen their facilities and scientific research around the fight against childhood diseases. It will also be an opportunity to internationally showcase our history and our archaeological, artistic and cultural heritage,” he added, without elaborating further.

Musk threw down the gauntlet to Zuckerberg on June 20, saying he’s “ready to cage fight” his rival. The next day, Zuckerberg, who knows jiu-jitsu and has posted pictures of fights he’s won, responded by asking him to tell him “where” they would fight.