Adidas immediately stop German kit deliveries over likeness to ‘banned Nazi symbol’ | Football | Sport

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Adidas immediately stop German kit deliveries over likeness to ‘banned Nazi symbol’ | Football | Sport

Adidas have halted deliveries of Germany’s new kit after a design blunder drew likeness to a banned Nazi symbol. The manufacturer released the shirt last month, but have been forced to backtrack on its distribution because of complaints about the kit’s typeface.

Germany’s preparations for Euro 2024 were plunged into chaos last week when a social media post revealed the number 44 on the new kit bared resemblance to the Nazi SS logo. It isn’t something that will impact the players, as UEFA rules state squads must be numbered 1-26, but supporters were able to purchase the kit with the number 44 printed on the back.

But now, the kit’s manufacturer Adidas have confirmed this is no longer possible, with fans banned from buying the kit with the controversial numbering. Speaking in the wake of the saga, Adidas spokesperson Oliver Bruggen told German outlet Bild: « We will block the number 44 as soon as possible.

“Adidas employs people from around 100 countries, our company stands for the promotion of diversity and inclusion and as a company we actively campaign against xenophobia, anti-Semitism, violence and hatred in all. »

He added: “Any attempt to promote exclusionary views is not part of our brand values and we firmly reject any suggestion that this was our intention. Our company stands for the promotion of diversity and inclusion.”

There was already frustration from fans towards Germany’s kits for the home European Championships, with Adidas releasing a diversity-inspired away strip. The garish pink and purple design was said to have been inspired by Germany’s diverse population and the fanbase of their national team, but some had hit back at the move.

All of this comes amid yet more backlash from German supporters after news broke that die Mannschaft would be switching their kit supplier at the end of their current cycle with Adidas. Instead, their kits from 2027 onwards are expected to be manufactured by close competitor Nike, with the American sportswear giant set to break up a seven-decade-long partnership between Germany and Adidas.

However, Julian Nagelsmann will be hoping the controversies remain off the field this summer, with his side on the hunt for a first European Championship title in close to 30 years. They’ll enter the tournament as one of the favourites, with the competition kicking off on June 14, 2024 at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Scotland will compete against Germany on opening night in Bavaria, with Hungary and Switzerland the other two teams drawn in Group A.

Cet article est apparu en premier en ANGLAIS sur https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1883797/Germany-kit-nazi-symbol-banned-adidas


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