Spanish World Cup winner Carles Puyol was expected to appear on Iran's IRTV 3 as a commentator for the Spain versus Iran Group B match at the FIFA World Cup.
But on Wednesday, coverage host Adel Ferdosipour fronted the cameras and told viewers: "You must be aware that Carles Puyol was scheduled to be with us tonight. However, he is in his hotel right now. I did everything I could but it didn't happen. I apologise."
The media immediately speculated as to why the high-profile pundit failed to appear as a commentator before the match.
On Thursday, however, news site Entekhab said Puyol claimed he could not appear on the show because of "his looks (long hair)".
The Iranian Football Federation's code of conduct reportedly suggests that players must not sport hairstyles which help "spread foreign culture".
Social media users were disappointed by Puyol's no-show.
