Angry fans wanting to show their support for England Women’s World Cup goalkeeper Mary Earps has been confirmed. A replica of her jersey will eventually be released by official kit supplier Nike.
The sportswear giant has come under fire for fans not being able to buy jerseys in support of Earps, who ended up taking the Gold Glove from the tournament, the highest individual honor her position can receive.
after exceeding 150,000 supporters petition Nike – and Earps criticism of global giants Herself – it finally heard.
Nike now says it will sell a “limited number” of replica Lioness goalkeeper kits four days after the game.
A Nike spokesman said in a statement: “Nike has provided limited edition goalkeeper kits to England, the United States, France and the Netherlands and will be available for sale via the Football Association website in the coming days.” wealth, means a member of the governing body FIFA.
The Oregon-based manufacturer supplies and sells merchandise for the England men’s and women’s national teams, making jerseys for all outfield players and even the men’s goalkeepers, but Earps was left out.
She called the move “very disappointing and hurtful” in an interview in July protector.
Following Spain’s 1-0 World Cup final victory last week, Nike issued a statement saying it was working to find a solution for selling Earps jerseys. The goalkeeper fired back on Instagram: “@Nike Is this your apology/taking responsibility/strong statement of intent?”
Earps said Nike’s decision not to sell jerseys during games has diminished the role of goalkeepers in women’s football.
Fans fight for Earps jersey
The pressure on Nike began to mount on social media after Sunday’s final, with the 30-year-old cementing her status as a national treasure.
On X (formerly known as Twitter), a fan wrote: “My 10 year old daughter is the goalie for her school team. She just went online to buy next year’s jersey and wants one like Mary Earps jersey, only to find out that Nike doesn’t offer it. “It’s kind of stupid,” she said. She was right.”
My 10-year-old daughter is the goalie for her school team. She had just gone online to shop for next year’s jersey, wanted one like Mary Earps, only to find out that Nike didn’t make it. “It’s kind of silly,” she said. She’s right, isn’t she? @nikefootball @Nike @englandfootball
— Nick O’Donnell (@gnickodonnell) August 20, 2023
Another added: “I still can’t believe Nike’s refusal to print and stock Mary Earps’ jersey, she was in the FIFA Women’s World Cup final and we couldn’t get her jersey is absolutely insane. “
I still can’t believe Nike’s refusal to print and stock Mary Earps jerseys, she was in the FIFA Women’s World Cup final and we couldn’t get her jersey is absolutely insane. #FIFAWWC
— Nguvi (@nguvi_) August 20, 2023
top british politiciansand professional soccer player Beth Mead express their voice Support the England goalkeeper.
Nike said it supported and shared the “unprecedented enthusiasm and interest” in the women’s championship.
the company told wealth It’s spending more money on its 2023 iteration than any global tournament to date, but admits to delays in catering to fans.
“We recognize that we are not serving fans who want to show their enthusiasm and support for their team’s goalkeeper during games. We are committed to retailing women’s goalkeeper jerseys for future major events,” Nike said.
a frequently asked question
Goalkeeper kits can be expensive for brands to manufacture, as the fanbase is often small and the manufacturing process is different than other kits.
When Nike cited similar arguments, Earps said she had been working “behind closed doors” to offer replicas of her jerseys.
Nike lost earning potential Following the US women’s early exit at the World Cup, England made up for it by reaching the final.
Other women’s national team kit suppliers, including Puma and Adidas, also do not produce goalkeeper shirts, although Denmark’s Hummels and Ireland’s Kastore do see their wares go on sale.
Earps’ football club Manchester United in a statement The “Earps No. 27” jersey (sold by Adidas) was the second best-selling women’s T-shirt of the season on Thursday.
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