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Fans call for Nike boycott after Iran WC 'disgrace'

Sportswear giant Nike has been branded a “disgrace” with angry fans calling for a boycott of the company because of its treatment of Iran’s World Cup squad.

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has called on Nike to apologise to his team after the American sportswear firm said it could not supply his players with football boots for the showpiece event in Russia because of new sanctions imposed on the nation by Donald Trump’s United States.

“US sanctions mean that, as a US company, Nike cannot supply shoes to players in the Iranian National team at this time,” Nike had said in a statement.

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Queiroz is furious with Nike for not supplying his Iran side with boots. Pic: Getty
Queiroz is furious with Nike for not supplying his Iran side with boots. Pic: Getty

Incensed fans have taken to social media in droves to go one step further than the Iran coach by calling on consumers to boycott Nike in response to the controversial move.

Queiroz, whose side face Morocco in their Group B opener on Friday, said it was an unnecessary statement and asked FIFA to help.

“It has been a source of inspiration for us,” Queiroz told Sky Sports.

“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.”

With Reuters