As the 2024 European Football Championship approaches, Germany have announced the design of their new shirt. It was soon noticed that the number 44 was very similar to the symbols of SS units.
SS units were most responsible for crimes against humanity committed by the Nazis. SS duties included the administration of concentration camps where millions of Jews and others were killed.
“We will block shirt personalization,” said an Adidas spokesperson.
An Adidas representative had to deny the fact that the kit’s resemblance to Nazi symbols was intentional.
“As a company, we are committed to opposing xenophobia, anti-Semitism, violence and hatred in all its forms,” he said.
In a post on social network X, the German Football Association (DFB_) said that the shirt designs were submitted to UEFA for review during the design process and that “none of the parties involved saw any proximity to Nazi symbolism”.
It was also added that an alternate design for the number 4 will be created.
The new outfits drew further criticism for their choice of bright pink. Supporters say the color symbolizes the country’s diversity. However, critics claim that the unconventional color was used to raise money for the DFB.
Adidas has been producing clothing for German footballers since the 1950s, but the DFB announced a decision that from 2027 Nike will replace Adidas apparel.
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck said the DFB’s ditching local company Adidas and joining Nike symbolized the DFB’s lack of “patriotism”.
Tags: Germany production football shirts reminiscent Nazi symbols stopped
