Adidas has banned German football fans from personalizing jerseys with the number 44, claiming it bears a striking resemblance to the logo of the Nazi SS units.
The sports brand confirmed that they have ‘blocked the personalization of the jerseys’, but claimed that the similarity to the Nazi symbol was unintentional.
SS units were most responsible for crimes against humanity committed by the Nazis during World War II.
The problem with the personalized kit was first raised by historian Michael König, who described its design as “highly questionable.”
He wrote about X: ‘Historically it is very doubtful to allow such jerseys for one’s own European Championship.’
Members of the SS, drafted by the Nazi units in 1929, ranged from Gestapo agents to concentration camp guards.
Adidas has banned German football fans from personalizing jerseys with the number 44, claiming it bears a striking resemblance to the logo of the Nazi SS units.
An SS logo can be seen on the clothing of a German soldier circa 1935 (File image)
The duties of SS members included managing concentration camps where millions of Jews and other people were murdered.
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.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the kit color is bright pink for the first time in history – with supporters claiming the color was chosen to reflect the country’s diversity. BBC reported.
However, some critics claim that the color was introduced to make money for the German Football Association (DFB).
Germany will host the European Football Championship in 2024, which will be held in ten different cities.
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.
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.’
MailOnline has contacted Adidas for comment.
