Nike confirmed Monday the company had stopped supplying Iran’s football team with boots ahead of the World Cup due to sanctions.
“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. “Sanctions applicable to Nike have been in place for many years and are enforceable by law.”
An ESPN report from Moscow said the Nike decision had left Iranian football officials baffled, noting that the U.S. company had supplied the team at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil when similar sanctions were in effect.
Nike continues to provide footwear and apparel to Iranian players if they reside outside of Iran. Iranian players also can purchase Nike products.
