Adidas has taken away the number 44 from the shirts. GermanyThey have removed the number from the shirt because they oppose violence and hatred in all forms, including Nazi symbolism.
Germany will host Euro 2024 this summer. but The kit worn by Germany is designed by Adidas. went viral on social media. The design flaw on the Germany shirt caused a stir on social media for the wrong reasons.
The number 44 on Germany’s shirt resembles the symbol used by Nazi SS units during World War Two, which were responsible for various crimes against humanity, including the Holocaust. Adidas strongly denies that it was intentional and has decided to block fans from buying kits with the number 44..
Adidas also states that the DFB is responsible for the controversy.
Adidas spokesperson Oliver Bruggen told Bild that the DFB and its partner 11teamsports are responsible for the design of the names and numbers.
Adidas has stopped fans from personalizing the shirts on their online store.
Adidas promotes diversity and inclusion and campaigns actively against xenophobia, anti-Semitism, violence, and hatred.
Adidas rejects any suggestions that the design was meant to be divisive or exclusionary.
Adidas stands for promoting diversity and inclusion as a company.
Historian Michael Konig raised concerns about the symbolism in the design.
The DFB has confirmed that they will come up with an alternative design for the number four.
The DFB also stated that UEFA reviewed the design process and found no proximity to Nazi symbolism.
Adidas has been making Germany’s jerseys since the 1950s, but the DFB has chosen to switch to Nike starting in 2027, causing a political dispute in the country.
Economy Minister Robert Habeck expressed his disappointment with the decision, wishing for more local pride, while Health Minister Karl Lauterbach called it 'wrong'.
