In response to widespread criticism by environmental groups, the image of Asiatic cheetah was finally added to the Iranian national football team’s apparel, although in a smaller size than expected.
Reportedly, the picture was not printed because the logo was not given to the manufacturing company in time.
Adidas, the leading sport clothes producer supplying the Iranian team’s apparels, did not agree to attach stickers on the shirts on the grounds that the ventilation system would be disturbed.
Finally, the Iranian Football Federation decided to attach a small sticker in the center top part of the jerseys.
Small Consolation
“It is on the shirts after all. Although rather small, it’s better than being totally eliminated,” Reza Shajie, director of the environment and sustainable development office at the Sports Ministry, said.
The mascot of the national team is also an Asiatic cheetah, named Youpa.
“It is set to be produced in large numbers to be widely present at the World Cup event, even among the spectators,” the official said.
The image of the cat appears on the national team’s bus as well.
The idea of displaying the Asiatic cheetah at the popular Football World Cup event was aimed at drawing attention to the critical status of the rare cat that remains only in Iran today.
