Political tensions between the United States and Iran are moving onto the sporting field. According to a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the players of the national volleyball team were detained for several hours by the American authorities upon their arrival at the Chicago airport, where they were to play in the Final Six of the League of Nations. Iran officially protested on Monday July 8, going so far as to evoke a “ detention” of his men's team. Iranian authorities expressed their complaint to the Swiss ambassador to Tehran, Markus Leitner, whose country represents American interests in Iran. The North America director of the Iranian ministry told Markus Leitner that “ If the United States cannot host all teams in a neutral and fair manner, it is better that they stop hosting sporting events. » The Final Six of the Volleyball Nations League takes place in Chicago from July 10 to 14, 2019.
— Published July 9, 2019
