Why is Adidas banning sales of the Germany ‘44’ jersey this Euro 2024?

GERMANY is hosting Euro 2024 this summer with the tournament kicking off in mid-June.

But there has been controversy around the symbolism associated with the home team's number 44 shirt that Adidas has taken the extraordinary step of removing it from sale.

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Why is Adidas banning sales of the '44' Germany Euro 2024 shirt?

Adidas banned fans from buying German football shirts with the number 44 on them over apparent similarities with the Nazi SS insignia.

Historian Michael König felt it was "questionable" and raised concerns about the design of the German football kit.

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

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

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In a post on Twitter/X, the DFB explained that 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".

But Adidas maintains that any resemblance to the SS rune was unintentional.

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

Germany's Euro 2024 pink away kit has also attracted some controversy.

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Adidas are said to have claimed the kit represents the diversity of the German fanbase and wider population.

The German national team even launched a promotional video alongside the kit's release to rubbish any claims that the outlandish colours shouldn't be worn by the men's team.

During the video a voice over claims: "That is not a shirt for legends."

Before Germany and Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller butts in to say: "Well, let me ask one...".

He is backed up by German national team legend Rudi Voller, who won the World Cup in 1990, responding: "Well I think it is."

Other current stars also defend the colour choice in the video as Bayer Leverkusen youngster Florian Wirtz replies to a claim of "That's not a Germany shirt" by simply responding saying: "It is."

Although the kit has been met with pockets of criticism, the united front from the team has hit back at those complaints.

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

How much is the Germany Euro 2024 shirt?

Buying the official Germany 2024 lightweight men's player jersey from Adidas will set you back £130.

The long-sleeved authentic men's shirt is £140, whereas the Germany '24 home shirt is £80.

Prices for the women's versions are the same as the men's.

Children's shirts start from £55, while you can get mini and baby kits from £40.

But there are a whole host of outlets offering discounted versions.

There are also companies dedicated to creating high quality replica shirts.

Where can I buy a Germany Euro 2024 shirt?

You can buy the official kits from the .

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There are also hundreds of companies online offering both official and replica shirts.

If you prefer to do your shopping in person, all major high street sporting goods outlets should stock them — but it would be wise to ensure they have them in stock before going to avoid disappointment.