German soccer authorities have decided to redesign the number “4” on the country’s national team jerseys following complaints that it resembles a logo used by Nazi paramilitary units. The German Football Federation (DFB) announced the redesign on Monday after social media users pointed out the similarity between the number “4” and the Schutzstaffel, or SS, logo.
The DFB stated that they are taking the matter “very seriously” and are working on developing an alternative design for the number. Although the number “44” is not currently used by the German national teams, Adidas allowed customers to personalize jerseys with numbers ranging from 00 to 99 and a name of up to 10 letters. Images of jerseys with the number “44” sparked controversy online.
Adidas spokesperson Oliver Bruggen stated that the company would block the number “44” as soon as possible, emphasizing their opposition to xenophobia, anti-Semitism, violence, and hatred in any form. The option to customize German national team jerseys has been removed from Adidas websites, although customization remains available for other nations’ uniforms.
The DFB recently presented new Germany uniforms, which will be worn by both the men’s and women’s national teams. The men’s team debuted the shirts during a match against France, and they will be used at Euro 2024, which Germany will host this summer. Notably, Nike will replace Adidas as the official jersey supplier of the German national soccer team starting in 2027.
The controversy surrounding the number “44” on the jerseys has highlighted the troubling history of the SS, a paramilitary unit founded by Adolf Hitler. Associated with various crimes committed during World War II, the SS’s lightning bolt logo was designed by German graphic designer Walter Heck and is now widely recognized as a symbol of Nazi atrocities.
The decision to redesign the number “4” on the German national team jerseys comes amidst growing awareness of historical symbols and the importance of addressing potential connections to oppressive ideologies.