Keisuke Honda Loses US Advertising Deal Over Support for Iran in World Cup Former Japanese football star Keisuke Honda has lost an advertising deal in the United States due to his public support for Iran's participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The 39-year-old revealed that a US-based company put an advertisement on hold after he expressed his desire for Iran to compete in the tournament on social media. Honda, a renowned footballer who represented Japan from 2008 to 2018 and scored 38 international goals, voiced his support for Iran in the face of uncertainty about their participation in the World Cup. The Iranian national team qualified for the tournament, but their place is in doubt due to recent conflicts between Iran and the US and Israel. In a tweet, Honda stated that he personally wants Iran to participate in the World Cup, despite the sensitive situation. He later revealed that the advertisement, which was set to coincide with the World Cup, was cancelled due to his earlier post. This incident raises questions about the role of politics in international sports events. The FIFA World Cup is one of the most-watched and highly anticipated sporting events globally, and the involvement of multiple countries as hosts and participants makes it a complex matter. The World Cup will take place in the US, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, with Iran's group games scheduled to be held on the US West Coast. The incident highlights the challenges that come with hosting a global sporting event, where different countries and ideologies intersect. Honda, known for his outspoken views, has not shied away from expressing his opinions on social media. His stance on the Iran situation has sparked debate, with some questioning the impact of politics on sports. The incident serves as a reminder that, even in the world of sports, opinions and actions can have far-reaching consequences. In Nigeria, we have seen similar instances where athletes and sports personalities have faced backlash for expressing their opinions on sensitive issues. The incident serves as a reminder that, in the world of sports, we must be mindful of the impact of our words and actions.