No boots, no problem as coach plays up Iran unity

SAINT PETERSBURG: Iran coach Carlos Queiroz believes his players have been brought closer together by Nike’s decision to cut their supply of World Cup kit to the team but the acid test will come against Morocco on Friday.

Nike announced they have been forbidden from providing football boots to Iran’s squad during the tournament, on account of sanctions imposed against the country by the United States.

The late decision has disrupted Iran’s preparations, with some players reportedly having to buy their own footwear from Russian shops or even ask club team-mates for help.

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

“ThislastcommentofNikewas,in my personal view, an unnecessary statement. Everybody is aware about the sanctions.

“They should come out and apologise because this arrogant conductagainst23boysisabsolutely ridiculous and unnecessary.”

Iran head into the match against Morocco in Group B on the back of a difficult build-up to the tournament overall, after friendly matches against Greece and Kosovo were also cancelled.

It remains to be seen whether Queiroz’s defiant verdict bears fruit, given any loser of Friday’s crunch fixture in Saint Petersburg would be left needing to beat either Spain or Portugal to reach the

This last comment of Nike was, in my personal view, an unnecessary statement. Everybody is aware about the sanctions. Carlos Queiroz, Iran coach

FIFA WORLD CUP