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Iran has no shoes for World Cup after Nike withdraws due to sanctions

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America may not be playing in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but that doesn’t mean it won’t have a role in the event.

In fact, it now seems like America will impact one of its Middle Eastern rivals despite not playing.

That’s because American sports apparel company Nike has had to withdraw its support of the Iranian national soccer team due to sanctions against Iran.

The impetus for Nike’s withdrawal is not clear, but the decision comes about a month after the Trump administration opted to withdraw from the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal and implement stronger sanctions against Iran.

It’s the latest impediment for Iran, as the team was already considered one of the weaker entrants in the World Cup. Last checked, it’s rather difficult to play soccer without shoes.

“U.S. sanctions mean that, as a U.S. company, Nike cannot supply shoes to players in the Iranian national team at this time,” Nike said in a statement, via ESPN.

Interestingly, Nike also noted that the sanctions had been in place for years.

“Sanctions applicable to Nike have been in place for many years and are enforceable by law,” Nike added.

Did Nike make the right decision by refusing to supply the Iranian national team with shoes?

Iran has reportedly scrambled to find a solution to the abrupt loss of their footwear. Some players have asked other soccer players to loan them their shoes, while others have borrowed shoes from friends or family. Still others have just decided to buy their own shoes.

Finding a substitute pair of shoes hardly solves everything for the Iranian team, however. It is common for sponsors to provide multiple options for shoes to players, with certain shoes better equipped to handle certain weather and field conditions. In all likelihood, Iran will have no such luxury for the World Cup.

Unsurprisingly, Iranian officials are none too pleased with Nike’s sudden withdrawal.

“Players get used to their sports equipment, and it’s not right to change them a week before such important matches,” said Iran’s coach, Carlos Queiroz.

Iranian officials have also filed an inquiry with FIFA asking for both a proper explanation and a possible solution to the ordeal.

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Considering President Donald Trump’s stance against the Iran nuclear deal, coupled with the fact that the United States has no discernible presence at the World Cup this year, it’s unlikely Nike will suddenly provide Iran with footwear.

With or without shoes, Iran’s opening World Cup match comes against Morocco on Friday. Spain and Portugal round out the rest of Group B.

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Bryan Chai has written news and sports for The Western Journal for more than five years and has produced more than 1,300 stories. He specializes in the NBA and NFL as well as politics.
Bryan Chai has written news and sports for The Western Journal for more than five years and has produced more than 1,300 stories. He specializes in the NBA and NFL as well as politics. He graduated with a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona. He is an avid fan of sports, video games, politics and debate.
Birthplace
Hawaii
Education
Class of 2010 University of Arizona. BEAR DOWN.
Location
Phoenix, Arizona
Languages Spoken
English, Korean
Topics of Expertise
Sports, Entertainment, Science/Tech




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