Shrinking Socks, Small Boots Plaguing Iran's Preparations For This Summer's World Cup

Iran World Cup coach Carlos Queiroz and players have hit out at the country’s football federation and kit sponsor "for providing shrinking socks, boots that are too small and not enough equipment," according to the AFP. The row "has worsened tensions" between Queiroz and the federation over "chaotic preparations for the finals." Queiroz "criticised the German makers of the Iran team strip Uhlsport." Queiroz: "Before crucial games against Qatar and South Korea, which were played in extreme conditions of humidity, the equipment delivered was not proper." Queiroz went on to "lambast the federation for failing to provide proper boots or enough clothing." Queiroz: “If you give shoes sized 34 to somebody that wears size 44 he cannot walk five meters” (AFP, 5/13).