Adidas bans fans from buying popular number 44 kits over Nazi symbol

ADIDAS has banned fans from buying German football kits with the number 44 over apparent confusion with Nazi era SS units.

Historian Michael König raised concerns about the design of the German football kit, which he felt was “questionable.”

AdidasGermany fans banned from buying number 44 kits over Nazi symbolism[/caption]

Germany is set to host the Euros this summer

However Adidas has said that any resemblance to the SS rune was not intentional.

Spokesman Oliver Brüggen said: “We as a company are committed to opposing xenophobia, anti-Semitism, violence and hatred in every form.”

The SS was a paramilitary force charged with implementing the genocide of millions of Jews across Europe.

Adidas told the BBC that the German Football Association (DFB) and its partners were responsible for the numbers on the shirts.

In a post on Twitter/X, the DFB said the shirt designs had been submitted to UEFA for review during the design process and
that “none of the parties involved saw any proximity to Nazi symbolism”.

The away version of the kit which is pink has also attracted some controversy. The colour is said to represent diversity.

Adidas has been responsible for the German kit since the 1950s, but Nike will take over as the manufacturer from 2027.

There are now security fears for fans heading to Germany this summer for the Euros.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said the Islamist attack in Moscow has raised “dangers to a new level.”

Ms Faeser added: “We are pooling the forces of the security authorities even more strongly for the Euros and are preparing for all possible dangers.

“This is necessary to protect this major international event in the best possible way.
“The security of the tournament is paramount.”

England, set to stay at the five-star Weimarer Land Golf Resort and Spa in Blankenhain, will be surrounded by a ring of steel.

Author and terrorism expert Neil Doyle said: “Euro 2024 represents a major target for groups looking to mount mass casualty attacks for revenge and global headlines.

“The use of drones will be a major concern as they have become a new feature of modern warfare, as seen in Ukraine.

“Germany as a location in itself is also attractive as it has backed Ukraine with arms and equipment.”