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The German football team has announced that the number four design of its new kit will be redesigned amid claims it bears a striking resemblance to the logo used by Nazi SS units.
Germany’s official supplier Adidas had initially banned German football fans from customizing shirts with the number 44 on the back, but the sports giant is abandoning the number in its current format amid a backlash.
The custom kit sparked outrage amid claims that the 44 resembled the infamous SS “lightning bolt” symbol, with historian Michael König describing its design as “highly questionable”.
SS units were primarily responsible for crimes against humanity committed by the Nazis during World War II.
The new kit, launched before Germany hosted the European Championship in June and July, debuted during their 2-0 friendly win over France last month.
‘The DFB checks the numbers 0 to 9 and then sends the numbers 1 to 26 to UEFA for review. “None of the parties involved saw any proximity to Nazi symbolism in the process of creating the shirt design,” the German Football Association (DFB) said in a statement.
The German football team has announced that the number four design of its new kit will be redesigned amid concerns that the number ’44’ resembles the symbol used by Nazi ‘SS’ units.
An SS logo is seen on the clothing of a German soldier circa 1935 (File Image)
“However, we take the comments very seriously and do not want to provide a platform for discussions… we will develop an alternative design for the number 4 and coordinate this with UEFA.”
Adidas had previously said they would be removing the number 44 from their range of customization options.
“We will block the number 44 as quickly 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 König wrote on X: “Historically it is very questionable to allow this type of jerseys for the local European Championship.”
Members of the SS, designed by 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 others were murdered.
The DFB sparked controversy last month when it announced that Adidas would be replaced as its uniform supplier from 2027, ending a partnership that has existed since the 1950s. American sportswear rival Nike will take over.
Germany will host the 2024 European Football Championship, which will be held this summer in 10 different cities.
The issues raised with Germany’s customized kit come after England’s kit for the 2024 games was also widely criticized.
Nike caused a furore among England football fans for being “woke” after giving the country’s kit a controversial overhaul by altering the St George’s flag.
The American sportswear company has swapped the traditional red cross for one in navy, light blue and purple on the shirt that costs up to £125.
Nike caused a furore among England football fans for being “woke” after giving the country’s kit a controversial overhaul by altering the St George’s flag.
The American sports brand tweeted the launch of the new kit and made specific reference to the ‘new’ flag
Fans and commentators criticized Nike for making what the brand described as a “fun update” to the collar to “unite and inspire” fans.
Some subsequently branded the new Three Lions jersey “woke” following its launch on Monday and demanded the flag be returned to its original colours.
But neither Nike nor the Football Association (FA) have any plans to retire the kit, with sources claiming the modified flag is a nod to the 1966 World Cup winners.
A Nike spokesperson said: “The England 2024 home shirt shakes up history with a modern take on a classic.
‘The trim on the cuffs is inspired by the training kit worn by England’s 1966 heroes, with a gradient of blues and reds finished with purple. The same colors also feature an interpretation of the St George’s flag on the back of the neck.’