BERLIN, Germany: The German Football Association (DFB) Monday said it is going to change the typeface used on its shirts with shirts with the number 44 were at the centre of the controversy.
It said concerns that the No. ’44’ resembled the symbol used by Nazi ‘SS’ corps prompted the Association to take the decision.
The DFB said one of the kit numbers drew comparisons to a Nazi symbol. The number four worn by national team players was said to bear a resemblance to the insignia of the Nazis’ elite SS unit.
The Association further said that none of the parties involved in the creation process saw any proximity to Nazi symbolism.
Nevertheless, it said the sporting body did not want to “provide a platform for discussion”.
The body together with partner 11teamsports will develop an alternative design for the number four and coordinate it with UEFA, the DFB said further.
The German daily Bild reported that the kit provider Adidas removed shirt personalisation options for the German strip from its website Monday afternoon.
Deliveries of the shirts already ordered with the number 44 had been stopped, it said.
The Association caused a stir in March when it announced that it would be replacing Adidas as its kit provider.
The German outfitter, which has supplied the national team since the 1950s, will make way for United States sportswear firm Nike.
