How an American company canceled a deal with Keisuke Honda after he supported Iran

Former Japan international Keisuke Honda has revealed that a planned advertising deal with an American company collapsed after he publicly defended Iran’s right to participate in the FIFA World Cup.

Honda made the disclosure in a post on his X account, explaining that the agreement, which was close to being finalised ahead of the tournament, was abruptly cancelled following his comments about Iran.

“I know this is a very sensitive issue, but personally I want them (Iran) to participate in the FIFA World Cup,” Honda wrote.

According to the former Japan football national team midfielder, his statement triggered an unexpected reaction from the American company that had been preparing to sign an advertising partnership with him for the global football event.

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“Apparently because of this statement, an advertisement from an American company that was close to being finalised for the World Cup ended up being canceled,” he explained.

Honda, who has never been shy about expressing his views on global and social issues, criticised the decision, arguing that businesses should not abandon partnerships over opinions on sensitive topics.

“Companies that ignore the essence of things and make decisions based on such flawed thinking — it’s better that we reject them instead,” he added.

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