FIFA makes a second country change their uniform just days before their first World Cup game.
Haiti had to change their World Cup kit before their first game against Scotland, and now FIFA is asking another team to make a change too.
Haiti’s original jersey showed scenes from the Battle of Vertières in 1803, when Haitian revolutionaries fought against French colonial rule and gained independence. The design included the moment they ripped the white band from the French flag to make Haiti’s new flag, an important event celebrated on Haitian Flag Day every May 18.
Kit maker Saeta said FIFA felt some parts of the design might be interpreted in different ways, so they asked for changes. Saeta and the Haitian Football Federation are working together to create new jerseys before Haiti’s World Cup debut.
Now, Egypt has also been told to change their kit just days before their first match against Belgium. FIFA wants Egypt to take off the seven stars above their badge. The stars represent Egypt’s seven African Cup of Nations wins, but FIFA says only World Cup wins can be shown on the jersey during the tournament.
For example, Brazil has five stars, Germany four, and Argentina three — all showing how many times they’ve won the World Cup. FIFA wants to avoid any confusion for fans about what the stars mean.
FIFA has also asked Egypt to change the gold lettering and numbers on the back of their shirts to white, so player names are clearer and follow the World Cup rules for uniforms and branding.