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Kicked where it hurts! Trump's sanctions means Iran need new boots

Stopping shopping: President Donald Trump’s sanctions means American companies can’t supply Iran players with boots
Stopping shopping: President Donald Trump’s sanctions means American companies can’t supply Iran players with boots

Iran’s players have been kicked into touch on the eve of the World Cup – and they’ve got Donald Trump to thank for it.

President Trump re-introduced sanctions last month when he decided to withdraw from a nuclear deal.

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That means Iran players won’t be able to wear Nike boots in Russia because of it.

The American company aren’t allowed to supply products as part of the sanctions – and that means they must find footwear from other countries during the tournament.

New boots needed: Iran’s players will have to wear non-US brands in Russia
New boots needed: Iran’s players will have to wear non-US brands in Russia

The sports giant confirmed in a statement that they were falling into line with orders.

“The sanctions mean that, as a U.S. company, we cannot provide shoes to players in the Iran national team at this time,” a Nike spokesman said.

Iran begin their World Cup campaign with their opening game against Morocco next Friday.

They then face Spain on June 20 before their final Ground B game with Portugal five days later.