"Adidas Halts Sale of Number 44 Jerseys Over Nazi Symbolism Concerns"
TL;DR
Adidas has halted the sale of German soccer jerseys featuring the number "44" due to its resemblance to a banned Nazi symbol in the uniform's new lettering, which closely resembles the "SS" emblem used by the Schutzstaffel. The German Football Association stated that the similarity was unintentional and an alternative design for the number 4 is being created. The jerseys, to be worn by Germany's team in the upcoming European soccer championships, are subject to strict numbering regulations, and Adidas had previously blocked the customization of certain names, such as "Hitler" or "Führer," on the jerseys.
- Adidas Stops Customization of Germany Jersey for Fear of Nazi Symbolism The New York Times
- German soccer bans 44, to redesign jerseys after similarity to Nazi symbol The Washington Post
- Germany fans barred from number 44 jersey over Nazi symbolism NBC News
- Adidas bans fans from adding '44' to German team football shirt The Guardian
- Germany fans banned from buying number 44 kits over Nazi symbolism BBC.com
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on The New York Times