Iran have been forced to find a different supplier for their team's footwear at the World Cup after Nike announced their decision to end their deal with Iran following the imposition of US sanctions against the country.
Nike released a statement days before the start of the World Cup which argued that the US company is not allowed to supply their products to the Iranian football team due to US government law:
US sanctions mean that, as a US company, Nike cannot supply shoes to players in the Iranian National team at this time. Sanctions applicable to Nike have been in place for many years and are enforceable by law.
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has since slammed Nike's decision telling Sky Sports that the company's stance is 'ridiculous':
It has been a source of inspiration for us. This last comment of Nike was, in my personal view, an unnecessary statement. Everybody is aware about the sanctions. They should come out and apologise because this arrogant conduct against 23 boys is absolutely ridiculous and unnecessary.
Players get used to their sports equipment, and it’s not right to change them a week before such important matches. We are only managers and footballers, and should not get involved in such matters. But we are asking Fifa to help us with this.
Iran face Morocco tomorrow in the opening match of Group B tomorrow and the former Manchester United assistant is hopeful of a result against their African rivals:
We have the potential to surprise Morocco in our first match. We know their team very well but I suspect they know very little about us.
