Adidas Bans Customized German Football Kits with Number 44
In a controversial move, Adidas has prohibited football fans from purchasing German football kits personalized with the number 44, due to its resemblance to the symbol utilized by Nazi SS units during World War Two.
The decision to block customization of the jerseys was confirmed by an Adidas spokesperson, who stated, “We will block personalization of the jerseys.”
The SS units, notorious for their involvement in heinous crimes against humanity during the Nazi era, have sparked outrage over the design of the newly released kit, particularly the choice of pink for the away colors.
Historian Michael König first raised concerns about the kits, describing the design as “very questionable.”
The SS rune, created for use by Nazi units in 1929, was associated with Gestapo agents and concentration camp guards responsible for administering death camps where millions were killed.
Adidas spokesperson Oliver Brüggen denied any intentional resemblance to Nazi symbols, emphasizing the company’s commitment to opposing xenophobia, anti-Semitism, violence, and hatred in all forms.
Adidas clarified that the German Football Association (DFB) and its partners were responsible for the design of the numbers on the shirts, which had been submitted to UEFA for review during the design process.
Responding to the controversy, the DFB announced plans to develop an alternative design for the number four to avoid any association with Nazi symbolism.
Aside from the number issue, the kit also faced criticism for the choice of bright pink as the away color, with supporters defending it as a representation of diversity while critics viewed it as a money-making scheme for the DFB.
Although Adidas has a long history of manufacturing German jerseys since the 1950s, the DFB’s decision to switch to Nike as the manufacturer of German football kits starting in 2027 has drawn criticism for lacking “patriotism” from Economy Minister Robert Habeck.
Germany is set to host this year’s European Football Championship in 10 different cities, adding another layer of significance to the ongoing kit controversy. — BBC
