The German Football Association (DFB) announced on Monday its decision to change the typeface featured on its shirts, following public outcry over the resemblance of one kit number to a Nazi symbol.
Concerns were raised regarding the appearance of the number four worn by national team players, which some observers likened to the insignia of the Nazis’ elite SS corps.
In response to the controversy, the DFB clarified that they had thoroughly vetted the numbers before submitting them to UEFA for approval. While no parties initially identified any proximity to Nazi symbolism during the creation process, the DFB emphasized its commitment to avoiding contentious discussions and decided to take proactive measures.
Collaborating with its partner, 11teamsports, the DFB announced plans to develop an alternative design for the number four, which will be coordinated with UEFA.
Furthermore, kit provider Adidas promptly removed shirt personalization options for the German strip from its website, according to reports from Bild. Notably, shirts with the number 44, which bore the closest resemblance to the SS logo, were at the center of the controversy. Deliveries of shirts already ordered with this number were halted.
The decision to alter the shirt typeface comes as Germany gears up to host the men’s European football championship in June and July. The DFB’s move to switch kit providers from Adidas to Nike by 2027 has also generated significant attention, marking the end of a longstanding partnership between the German national team and the iconic German outfitter.
With these developments, the DFB aims to address concerns surrounding the design of its shirts and ensure that its representation remains free from any associations with controversial symbols.
