Iranian World Cup star banned for six months after wearing ‘SpongeBob SquarePants trousers’


An Iranian footballer football was suspended for six months after wearing what have been liked to SpongeBob SquarePants trousers.

A picture appeared online of goalkeeper, Sosha Makani, in the legwear alongside a fan in a Real Madrid shirt, before a match for his club side, Persepolis.

Iranian goalkeeper, Sosha Makani, poses with a fan in colourful trousers
Photo of Iranian goalkeeper, Sosha Makani, poses with a fan in colourful trousers

And, according to the Iranian football federation’s morality committee, the players’ clothing was cited as a reason for the ban.

The country employs strict dress laws and ISNA news agency say the penalty is for “inappropriate conduct”.

The photo was published on May 6 and the country’s media likened to the famous cartoon sponge.

Iran's FC Persepolis' goalkeeper Sousha Makani catches the ball before Saudi al-Hilal's players during their AFC Champions League football match
Iran’s FC Persepolis’ goalkeeper Sousha Makani catches the ball before Saudi al-Hilal’s players during their AFC Champions League football match
David Beckham, Brandi Chastain and Michelle alongside SpongeBob SquarePants
David Beckham, Brandi Chastain and Michelle alongside SpongeBob SquarePants

Makani can still appeal the ban as the ruling is not final.

However, it is not the first time the 2014 World Cup ace has been in hot water.

He was arrested and imprisoned in January after pictures of him in the presence of a woman emerged — and country and also has laws about unrelated men and women mixing.


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