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)".
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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.
