A billboard in Iran which supported the nation’s World Cup team has been replaced after it was criticised for not featuring any women.

The previous billboard, in Tehran, showed men of different ethnicitiescelebrating around a trophy.

It has been replaced with a different design in which several women are visible standing side-by-side with men.

A line next to the image reads in Persian: “Together we are champions: one nation, one heartbeat.”

The original billboard caused uproar, with the front page of the Qanun newspaper carrying an image with the caption ‘We lose without women’.

Social media users in Iran criticised what they saw as implied gender discrimination by excluding women from the picture.

Since the Iranian revolution of 1979, women have not been allowed inside sporting venues.

In April, several women disguised themselves as men so they could watch their team, Persepolis, play rivals Sepidrood at the Azadi stadium in Tehran.

The authorities have cancelled a plan to allow women to watch the national team’s World Cup matches on a big screen in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium.

The Iranian females athletes have won many medals in different sports including Asian & Olympics Games. The latest achievement was the Iran female futsal team which won the continental crown after beating japan in the final.

Morocco lost its bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2026 and much of the blame seems to be shouldered by Saudi Arabia, according to the Moroccans.

Rabat and Riyadh had very cordial and close relations for decades. The wealth of the Saudi’s has played a major part in those so-called brotherly relations. The Gulf Arab Kings, Emirs and princes have made Morocco their favorite playground. Buying properties and palaces, investing in joint ventures and pouring billions in the country’s economy in form of economical aids have kept the economy of the population of 36 million afloat. But it all comes at a price. Morocco, despite its claim of independence and sovereignty in political decision making, has practically turned into a Gulf Country colony in recent years fearing the wrath of the ruthless Saudi kings and are expected to follow the Saudi policies. Lately, without any proof or shred of evidence, Morocco suddenly cut its diplomatic relation with the Islamic Republic of Iran on the behest of the big brother and paymaster Saudi Arabia.

When the national federations convened for the 68th FIFA Congress, politics and geostrategic calculations quickly transformed the sporting experience into an exercise of usurpation and heavy politicizing.

Not satisfied with casting its own ballot for the United Bid, the US-led North American trio, Saudi Arabia used its financial resources and spiritual authority to convince it allies and some other Muslim-majority countries to back North America at the expense of Morocco 2026!

What was started as a competition between two bids promising to serve the interests of the game and fans has become a venue for permanent extortion and backstage diplomatic tricks, exposing the toxic politicization of sport. FIFA as it is now common knowledge, is prime example of corruption and politics with billions of dollars at stake.

 “This feels like being stabbed in your back by a brother,” some diplomatic sources have been quoted as saying, referring to news that the Gulf kingdom(s) actively lobbied for the United bid on June 11 and 12.

Bristling with Riyadh’s intense efforts to undermine the Moroccan bid in Muslim circles, some Moroccan officials have explained that although the Saudis are entitled to their decision to endorse the United bid, it is much less comprehensible that “a fellow brother” could go to such lengths to turn other Muslim countries against a bid representing shared values and traditions.

“The muscular Saudi lobbying” has already succeeded in changing the position of about ten national federations who were either wavering or considering a Morocco 2026 vote at the FIFA congress it was claimed by top level Moroccan official..

Arabophone outlet Goud, for example, quoted Moroccan diplomatic sources and representatives in Moscow as saying that Saudi lobbying for the North American bid was far more significant than Canada’s entire campaigning efforts.

Tension between Saudi Arabia and Morocco

Though Riyadh is known for being America’s most strategic ally in the Muslim world, it is now a known secret that that the Gulf country’s anti-Morocco 2026 agenda has much to do with Rabat’s position in the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. It is understood that Saudi Arabia is frustrated with Rabat’s “objective neutrality” in the Gulf crisis.

Others have also pointed out Morocco’s reluctance to send troops to Yemen despite numerous requests from Saudi authorities. As a result, they argue, Riyadh has chosen to vent its frustration on the North African’s dream to host the footballing world’s most prestigious tournament.

On social media, the outrage caused by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation’s last-minute intrusion into the pre-voting procedures cannot be overstated. Many Moroccans appeared to have had it with the Saudis’ disregard for their “national cause.” Some went as far as asking Moroccan authorities to review the country’s diplomacy towards a “circumstantial ally.”

“It is just a matter of time. Rabat is taking its time to know the intention and priorities of the new Saudi authorities. In the end, Morocco’s national interests will always prevail,” a source at the foreign affairs ministry said under conditions of anonymity.

Afghanistan and Pakistan are believed to be among the ten Muslim countries whose change of heart is said to have come about as a result of Saudi Arabia’s pro-United 2026 lobbying. And since FIFA will make public the vote of each national federation, it remains to be seen the full extent of the Saudi damage to Morocco 2026

Iran , did not vote for either. Neither Donald Trump not the King of Morocco are too popular with the Islamic republic at the moment.

But the effects of this Arab infighting has reached the Iran vs Morocco match albeit on the lighter side. After the 5-0  drubbing of Saudi Arabia by the Russians, Moroccan football fans in St. Petersburg, European cities and back home rejoiced while the social media have turned into a war of words between the Moroccans and Saudis’.

Now the funny and the odd part

Saudi fans and some other gulf states are praying for an Iran win against Morocco. The social media is buzzing with messages of support for the arch enemy Iran to beat the Moroccans in retaliation for the North African nation’s fans celebrating Saudi Arabia’s defeat. Sounds complicated?

Outsiders might find it extremely odd for fans to think politically to that extent, although even in Europe and Latin America politics has some effect on football support fan base. However, governments in the Persian Gulf States have their own discreet agents who spread their messages and political views in disguise. The so-called electronic flies are extensively deployed on the internet by countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain for political purposes.

Whether the Saudi prayers for Iran to win will have any effect, remains to be seen.

After the Saudi Arabia football team was in the wrong end of a drubbing, the Moroccan fans did not hide their joy and expressed their delight at the defeat of the fellow Arab country.

In St. Petersburg streets, while fans of both Iran and Morocco were having a jolly time taunting each other in a peaceful and light-hearted atmosphere, the Moroccan fans burst into extra celebration after hearing the result of the opening match between the host Russia and Saudi Arabia. The Russians scored 5 against the hapless Saudis.

Several reasons for the expression of joy by the Moroccan fans were mentioned depending on whom you talk to. The majority mentioned that the Saudis have betrayed their country Morocco in the competition for hosting the 2026  FIFA World Cup., “Not only Saudi Arabia, which claims to be a brother Arab country , did not vote in favor of Morocco, they actually lobbied for America  and influenced other Arab countries to do so as well. That is betrayal to me and they deserved to be humiliated and beaten”

“The least they deserved” said another laughing Moroccan fan who was holding Iran flag in addition to his own country’s.

Some fans targeted a Saudi Official Turki Al Shaikh for abuse.

Iranian fans joined the Moroccans in their celebration in a unique scene.

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — First, they were picked in possibly the toughest group at the World Cup. Then they failed to attract any high-quality opposition in friendly matches.

Now in Russia, Iran has been hit with sportswear sanctions from the United States, preventing players from wearing their favorite soccer shoes.

No wonder Iran coach Carlos Queiroz spoke Thursday of the “hurdles” his players have to mount as they compete in back-to-back World Cups for the first time.

“We do not allow these problems to become justifications, excuses,” Queiroz said, a day before Iran opens play in Group B with a match against Morocco in St. Petersburg. “All these situations we’ve been facing, we have been using as an opportunity to develop and an inspiration to make our players stronger and full of will. We are sure that we have to be a family and keep united.”

Queiroz, Iran’s longest-serving coach and a former Real Madrid coach and Manchester United assistant, is popular with soccer fans in the Asian country but will be feted even more if he manages to guide the team out of a group containing European champion Portugal and Spain, one of the tournament favorites.

Queiroz said it was “disrespectful” to talk about Spain, which is in turmoil after firing coach Julen Lopetegui on Wednesday, but was more open in discussing Iran’s blighted World Cup build-up.

He has long complained about Iran’s lack of international exposure and the country’s problems — mainly for political reasons — with arranging matches against other countries. This month, a warm-up match against Greece in Istanbul was abruptly canceled, reportedly because of an ongoing dispute between the Greeks and neighboring Turkey.

Iran’s soccer federation threatened legal action, saying it inflicted “serious damage” to the team’s World Cup preparations, then saw Kosovo — the supposed replacement for Greece — also pull out.

Adding to the disruption, Nike said it would not be providing soccer shoes to Iran for the World Cup because of American sanctions currently in place against the country.

Queiroz was angered by the decision and has addressed his unhappiness with FIFA.

“Players get used to their sports equipment, and it’s not right to change them a week before such important matches,” he said. “We are using all of the hurdles as a source of inspiration.”

Iran was the first team to qualify for the World Cup — exactly a year ago Thursday — after topping Asian qualifying, and is looking to improve on a record that has seen it win only one of its 12 matches at World Cups.

The Iranians have a reputation for being defensively sturdy, conceding only two goals in 10 qualifiers — and those only came in the final match when qualification was guaranteed.

Queiroz said Thursday his team was “highly adventurous at the present time” and “a lot of young players with a high number of qualities, especially in the midfield and in attacking positions,” but didn’t discount adopting a defensive formation when needed, presumably against Spain and Portugal.

Iran is set to be without striker Mehdi Taremi because of an undisclosed injury.

“The first game is always something special,” Queiroz said. “For us and Morocco, it is a must-win game.”

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Nike will not provide cleats to the Iranian soccer team ahead of and during this month’s World Cup because of economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic as the American company shamefully claims

The move follows the Trump Administration’s decision to withdraw from the international nuclear deal made in 2015, though the sanctions that prevent the sportswear giant from working with the Iranian team have existed through multiple administrations, Nike said in a statement.

“U.S. sanctions mean that, as a U.S. company, Nike cannot supply shoes to players in the Iranian National team at this time,” the company said. “Sanctions applicable to Nike have been in place for many years and are enforceable by law.”

Some teams allow players to select their own cleats, including which brand, for competition. Some players, for example, may have sponsorship with Nike. Those deals, the company said, will not be affected. Other teams are sponsored by a particular brand — the main players in the international soccer scene are Nike, Adidas and Puma — and require players to wear a certain shoe.

Adidas, a Germany-headquartered company, provides Iran’s uniforms, but told CNBC it was not sponsoring the team, merely selling the kit at a steep discount.

Iranian players are free to purchase and wear Nike cleats during the tournament.

Still the sanctions have provoked the anger of international development groups critical of both the Trump Administration’s stance toward the Islamic Republic and Nike’s choice to abide by the sanctions, a violation of which could result in civil and criminal penalties.

The move by Nike highlights the ripe hypocrisy of the American politics and the double standards when applying policies. A boycott of an Israeli athlete is akin to anti-Semitism and flagrant interference of politics in sport, but Nike refusing to provide boots is seems to have NOTHING to do with politics !!!!

“We are disappointed that Nike has boycotted Iran’s World Cup players by refusing to provide shoes to the Iranian national team,” Jamal Abdi, the vice president for policy of the National Iranian American Council, a nonprofit focused on Iranian-American relations, said in a statement. “We call on the U.S. Government to take immediate steps to address this shameful situation and that Nike actively seek a resolution. FIFA should also take necessary steps to address this issue and ensure that none of the teams in the World Cup are subject to double standards.

“Governments that drag politics into international sporting events, including Iran itself when it boycotts matches with Israel, face well-deserved admonishment. This situation is unfortunately no different. Events like the World Cup and the Olympics are meant to rise above disputes between nations and serve as an example of what unites us.”

The Iranian national team has not commented publicly on the sanctions. Iran is set to face Morocco in the first round of the World Cup on Saturday in St. Petersburg.

Team Melli continued training in Moscow with a session at the FC Strogino training ground on Saturday.

That session revealed that Carlos Queiroz’s team has enough energy and motivation to play in the FIFA World Cup 2018 and embark on an exciting event, but is it enough to confront three big obstacles in form of Morocco, Spain and Portugal and deliver? The answer to this question becomes more complicated when considering all prevailing circumstances. It is reported that Mehdi Taremi and Ashkan Dejagah did not take part in training but were involved in a special recovery program and probably will not be involved with the team due to injury at this time!

However, Queiroz speaks highly and confidently about his team and he is not prepared to undermine, convey any sign of frustration or disappointment to his squad. He is still the no 1 hope of the Iranian national team to face Morocco, Spain and Portugal. As in the past World Cup, his tactics against Nigeria and Argentina and the skilled manner that he analyzed both the opponents, resulted in respectable results in the 2 matches.

Now that four-year has passed and the coach has gained more experienced and his knowledge of the players has improved, he has a few shortcomings in posts in comparison to the Brazilian World Cup. Just where he had peace of mind, the team has a weakness. Where in Brazil players in the class of Javad Nekounam and Andranik Teymourian gave the team great confidence and experience,  now Queiroz does not have that luxury.

This is perhaps the only clear dark spot of Team Melli. Queiroz has a great deal of concern in filling the area because the role of defensive midfielder in his strategy is a very vital one. This time Team Melli faces a big vacuum. Saeed Ezzatollahi is suspended for the first game and Omid Ebrahimi has not yet reached the ideal form since recovering from his longish injury.

That is why Queiroz is thinking of options and using of other players in this post to fill this gap. Perhaps Karim Ansarifrd might be asked to change his post from center forward to defensive midfielder. Rozbeh’s Cheshmi is another candidate; however it seems that Omid Ebrahimi’s can be better choice than any other despite his less than optimum form.

Queiroz, of course, has a much greater concern in the goal, but no matter what the circumstances are, his option are quite limited and it does not seem that he will have a better option than calamity Alireza Beiranvand. That makes both the players and fans quite nervous. The memories of him concede goals like confetti only weeks ago, is still quite clear in everyone’s mind. Despite that, the Persepolis goalkeeper’s experience makes him a better choice in Russia.

Biranvand may be considered as the man in the goal for Team Melli in Russia, Queiroz however has shown that he is unpredictable. His pick for the same post in Brazil was Alireza Haghighi , not the no 1 choice, but Queiroz was spot on in 2014.  If Brunvand is to be the custodian of Team Melli, he certainly needs a lot of guidance from a good sports psychologist – who can be Queiroz himself – to talk to him and mentally prepare the unpredictable Persepolis keeper,  for a big time and they don’t come bigger than the FIFA World Cup.

In other posts, there does not seem to be a particular or a major problem. Team Melli has players who play major roles for their clubs outside of Iran and understand the status of the World Cup and its significance. So Queiroz is confident that of them and would not worry about other posts.

However, it seems that Queiroz will still take a surprise course  of action in the Iranian national team. Perhaps the change of posts of one or two players, and perhaps his technical thoughts and great ability to read the game, will make all the three great opponents ponder and fight to get satisfactory results. We should wait and see.