German FA decide to redesign their font for name and numbers on new adidas national team football kits after it was discovered No 44 looked like shameful SS Nazi war symbol
The German football team has announced that the design for number 4 on its new kit will be redesigned, claiming it bears a striking resemblance to the logo used by the Nazi SS units.
The official German supplier Adidas initially banned football fans from personalizing the jerseys with 44 on the back.
And in a statement to Mail Sport, the sporting giant announced that the decision to change the design would be made by the German Football Association (DFB) and its partner 11teamsports when they created the font on the kit.
That decision has now been made and will happen soon.
A statement from adidas read: ‘The DFB and its partner 11teamsports are responsible for the design of the names and numbers. We have blocked the personalization of the jerseys in our online store.
The German football team has announced that the design for the number four on its new kit will be redesigned amid concerns that the number ’44’ resembles the symbol used by Nazi SS units
An SS logo can be seen on the clothing of a German soldier circa 1935 (File image)
“Adidas employs people from around 100 countries, our company is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, and as a company we actively campaign against xenophobia, anti-Semitism, violence and hatred in all forms.”
The personalized kit sparked outrage when it was claimed the 44 resembled the SS’s infamous ‘lightning bolts’ symbol, with historian Michael Konig describing the design as ‘highly questionable’.
SS units were most responsible for crimes against humanity committed by the Nazis during World War II.
The new kit, launched ahead of Germany hosting the European Championship in June and July, debuted during their 2-0 friendly win over France last month.
‘The DFB checks numbers 0-9 and then submits numbers 1-26 to UEFA for assessment. “None of the parties involved saw any proximity to Nazi symbolism in the creation process of the shirt design,” the German Football Association (DFB) said in a statement.
‘Nevertheless, we take the comments very seriously and do not wish to provide a platform for discussions… we will develop an alternative design for the number 4 and coordinate it with UEFA.’
Adidas had previously said they would be removing the number 44 from their customization offering.
“We will block number 44 as soon as possible,” Adidas spokesman Oliver Bruggen told German media.
‘As a company, we actively oppose xenophobia, anti-Semitism, violence and hatred in any form.’
Amid a backlash, Mr. Konig wrote about
Members of the SS, drafted by the Nazi units in 1929, ranged from Gestapo agents to concentration camp guards.
The duties of SS members included managing concentration camps where millions of Jews and other people were murdered.
The DFB caused controversy last month when it announced that Adidas would be replaced as kit supplier from 2027, ending a partnership that had existed since the 1950s. American sportswear rival Nike will take over.
Germany will host the 2024 European Football Championship, which will be held in ten different cities this summer.
The problems with the personalized German kit come after the English kit for the 2024 Games also received a lot of criticism.
Nike sparked anger among English football fans for ‘woke’ after giving the country’s kit a controversial overhaul by changing the St George’s flag.
The US sportswear company swapped the traditional red cross for one with navy blue, light blue and purple on the shirt, which costs up to £125.
Nike sparked anger among English football fans for ‘woke’ after giving the country’s kit a controversial overhaul by changing the St George’s flag
The American sports brand tweeted the launch of the new kit and specifically referred to the ‘new’ flag
Supporters and commentators blasted Nike for creating what the company described as a “playful update” on the collar to “unify and inspire” fans.
Some then branded the new Three Lions shirt ‘woke’ after its launch on Monday and demanded the flag be returned to its original colours.
But neither Nike nor the Football Association (FA) have plans to recall the kit – with sources claiming the changed flag is a nod to the 1966 World Cup winners.
A Nike spokesperson said: ‘The England 2024 home kit disrupts history with a modern take on a classic.
‘The piping on the cuffs is inspired by the training gear worn by England’s 1966 heroes, with a gradient of blue and red topped with purple. An interpretation of the flag of St. George also appears in the same colors on the back of the collar.’