Germany kit controversy: Why adidas is removing and redesigning number from latest jersey range as Nazi symbol likeness identified

The German football federation (DFB) and adidas have taken the decision to remove and redesign the number four created for use with the latest Germany national team kits for Euro 2024.

Since the new kits were launched last month, similarities were spotted between the font used for the number four, specifically when doubled up as 44, and a symbol used by Nazi SS units during the Second World War. The SS was responsible for many of the worst crimes against humanity committed by the Nazis - with concentration and death camp guards among their many roles.

adidas spokesperson Oliver Bruggen insisted the similarity to a Nazi symbol was completely unintentional in a statement, which read: "We as a company are committed to opposing xenophobia, anti-Semitism, violence and hatred in every form."

The German athletic apparel and footwear corporation added in a separate statement: "The DFB and its partner 11teamsports are responsible for the design of the names and numbers. We have blocked personalization of the jerseys in our online store. People from around 100 nations work at adidas, our company stands for the promotion of diversity and inclusion, and as a company we actively campaign against xenophobia, anti-Semitism, violence and hatred in all forms. Any attempts to promote divisive or exclusionary views are not part of our values as a brand and we strongly reject any suggestions that this was our intention. Our company stands for promoting diversity and inclusion."

A statement posted on the official DFB account on X added: "The DFB checks the numbers 0-9 and then submits the numbers 1-26 to UEFA for review. None of the parties involved saw any proximity to Nazi symbolism in the development process of the jersey design. Nevertheless, we take the information very seriously and do not want to provide a platform for discussions. Together with our partner 11teamsports, we will develop an alternative design for the number 4 and coordinate it with UEFA."

Germany won't be in action again until early June when pre-Euro 2024 warm-up games against Ukraine and Greece are scheduled. By then, adidas will have redesigned the number four, removing the accidental similarity to a Nazi symbol. Germany's opening game as hosts of Euro 2024 is against Scotland on June 14. This also happens to be one of the last sets of Germany kits that adidas will make for the foreseable future, having entered a controversial agreement with Nike that begins in 2027.