Nike have refused to supply Iran with football boots for the upcoming World Cup.
Due to US sanctions, Nike are unable to provide Carlos Queiroz’s Iran side with playing gear for the tournament in Russia. “US sanctions mean that, as a US company, Nike cannot supply shoes to players in the Iranian National team at this time,” a statement from Nike read.
“Sanctions applicable to Nike have been in place for many years and are enforceable by law.”
Iran manager Queiroz, who has been in charge of the side since 2011, has expressed disgust about his players being denied access to the footwear to which they were accustomed just a few days before their World Cup opener against Morocco.
“It has been a source of inspiration for us,” the former Manchester United assistant manager told Sky Sports News.“This last comment of Nike was, in my personal view, an unnecessary statement. Everybody is aware about the sanctions.
“It was ridiculous and unnecessary to produce this statement against a couple of young players. I think it should be the exact opposite because 99 per cent of our boys, they buy the boots, so the statement should be in the opposite direction and they should thank them.
“They should come out and apologise because this arrogant conduct against 23 boys is absolutely ridiculous and unnecessary. We have addressed this concern to FIFA and the minimum Nike should do is to apologise to them (Iran’s players). We expect that FIFA will come with a position and if they don’t we will publish the letter we sent to FIFA.”
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