israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu criticized the iranian regime for its actions, and accused it of interfering in sports and pressuring its athletes to not compete against the israelis, saying "hating others will never make you a champion. it only makes you a pathetic and insecure loser." iran wrestling federation president rasoul khadem said: "the federation will protest the verdict ... during his six-month ban, karimi mashiani can take part in domestic competitions and in the final stage of the national team selection. his ban will be over before the 2018 jakarta asian games and the world championship."