Seth Duckworth
According to reports, Iran has backed out of the “Bout at the Ballpark” match with Team USA originally scheduled for February 12th at Globe Life Field in Arlington.
According to the reports, many of the Iranian wrestlers were denied visas and entry into the United States after “Death to America” statements made by the Iranian wrestling coach Alireza Dabir. This prompted the Iranian team to withdraw.
In a letter sent to the president of USA Wrestling, Bruce Baumgartner, Iranian coach Alireza Dabir wrote, “I am very sorry to announce that the national wrestling team of the Islamic Republic of Iran, due to not granting visas to 6 members of this team, is not able to participate in a friendly match with the U.S. national team.”
The event is still currently slated to take place with Oklahoma State wrestling Iowa and the United States Women wrestling Mongolia, along with one Greco bout, all announced recently.
