World Cup jerseys get mixed reviews ahead of Qatar’s opener against Algeria on Saturday
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Just like they did four years ago, Argentina were wearing a red and white kit to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. But this time there were no funny notes.
FIFA have refused to issue jerseys for Qatar ahead of its first match when it meets Algeria in Doha on Saturday. A decision from a FIFA appeal committee had initially blocked the Qatar kit as it was deemed that the shirt’s design was “incompatible with Fifa competition.”
An appeal by the Qatar Football Association to the decision was rejected but Qatar were granted an additional three days to seek an agreement with FIFA.
Fifa had indicated that they would reject the Qatar kit in the event that Qatar were unable to secure approval. With Qatar having made a strong pitch for the kit, they had hoped this would lead to an alternative design being submitted. Qatar had also argued that the “inferior” quality of their previous kit meant there was a high chance that they might be unable to obtain approval.
On Monday, FIFA announced the decision following a second appeal. A decision on the kit will not be reached before the opening match against Algeria on May 29. “This decision represents FIFA’s firm position given the circumstances,” said FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke.
In March 2009, Qatar were forced to change their kit and logo after they failed to gain approval from FIFA. Their kit resembled the kit worn by Argentina during that World Cup, which was made famous by the national anthem. Qatar refused to make any comment on the matter when asked to comment on Monday, adding that they were “extremely disappointed” by the decision.
Last year, Qatar were forced to change their kit after failed attempts at approval from FIFA. They were given the opportunity to have their kit made by Chinese companies – but this was also unsuccessful when Qatar failed to qualify for the Asian football governing body’s Olympic Games. Qatar had requested Chinese partners, but FIFA said that it could not provide that as it is required by the competition rules.
FIFA’s
