The German Football Association (DFB) had to alter the font style featured on its jerseys following concerns about one of the numbers resembling a Nazi emblem. Specifically, the number “four” in the existing typeface bore a resemblance to the insignia of the Schutzstaffel (SS), an elite group associated with the Nazi regime.
Adidas, the kit provider, has taken a proactive step by prohibiting fans from customizing shirts with the number 44, as it bears resemblance to the insignia of the SS corps. Simultaneously, the German Football Association has halted the distribution of shirts featuring the number 44.
The SS corps, a paramilitary group operating under Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich, played a pivotal role in administering concentration camps.
“The DFB examines numbers 0 through 9 and subsequently presents numbers 1 through 26 to UEFA for scrutiny,” stated the football association.
“Throughout the creation process, none of the involved parties perceived any association with Nazi symbolism,” emphasized the DFB.
However, despite this, the sports organization expressed its reluctance to “fuel any debate” on the matter.
DFP is currently in the process of exploring the adoption of a new design.
“In collaboration with our partner 11teamsports, we are developing an alternative design for the number four, which will be coordinated with UEFA,” announced the DFB.
The newly proposed typeface has already been unveiled in recent friendly matches against France and the Netherlands, as Germany prepares to host the men’s European football championship in June and July.
Last month, the DFB stirred controversy with its announcement of replacing Adidas as its kit provider starting from 2027.
The long-standing German outfitter, having supplied the national team since the 1950s, will be replaced by the US sportswear giant, Nike.
