UEFA Kit Color Blindness Simulation - Why Dark vs Light Is The Ideal
Jan 16, 2021, by Chris
Have you ever wondered why FIFA and other football government organizations are so strict with the color of kit and the light / dark kit rule? This is not only for TV but also for color blind people.
As part of a campaign to maximise awareness and improve the experience of colour blind people in football, the English Football Association and UEFA have joined forces with the Colour Blind Awareness organisation to produce a guide booklet.
One in 12 men (8%) inherit red/green colour blindness
What Is Colour Blindness?
Colour blindness is the inability to perceive colours normally. It is one of the world’s most common genetic conditions. However, colour blindness is under-recognised and poorly understood.
How Likely Is It To Be Colour Blind?
Approximately one in 12 men (8%) inherit red/green colour blindness but only 1 in 200 (0.5%) of women do. Colour blindness is very common in men because it’s carried on the X-chromosome. Men only have one X chromosome, but women have two. For a woman to be colour blind she must inherit colour blindness on both of her X-chromosomes.
UEFA Simulates How Color Blind People See Kits
UEFA released various images that show how we (non-colorblind) see and how a colorblind sees the game - the ideal is to always have a light and a dark team.
It is actually impossible for colorblind people to distinguish some teams in some matches
It is actually impossible for colorblind people to distinguish some teams when they are wearing certain kit colors - the kit combinations which cause the greatest problems for colour-blind people are:
- Red v black
- Red v green v orange
- Bright green v yellow
- White v pastel colours
- Blue v deep purple/pink
Below is another example illustrating the difference in how a non-colorblind and a colorblind see uniforms.
Color Blindness - Issues in Football
- Kit clashes - between players, goalkeepers, match officials, the playing surface
- Equipment - balls, bibs, training cones, line markings
- Venues - facilities, way-finding, safety signage, lighting
- Information - digital, ticket purchasing, matchday programmes
- TV coverage - graphics, long-distance camera angles
Best-practice kit combinations:
UEFA also made a short overview of which kit combos are good to distinguish for color blind people.
The more colour combinations there are in a kit, the more likely it is that kit clashes will arise. This can be an issue for your own players as well as spectators, so it’s important to avoid kit clashes as far as possible. For example, blue v white kit can easily be distinguished, as the photo below shows.
Good kit colour combinations for people with colour blindness
- White v black
- Red v yellow
- Black v yellow
- Blue v bright reds
- Blue v yellow
Do you now understand why FIFA is so strict regarding their light / dark kit rule? Were you aware of color blind people and their issues in football? Comment below.
Macron Showcases Rimini Calcio Hooped Shirt in 'Unveilievable' Campaign
Italian sportswear brand Macron has spotlighted an eye-catching Rimini Calcio 1912 shirt as part of its ongoing 26-27 "Unveilievable" campaign. Celebrating the club's identity under the label's "Fashion in Sport" banner, the design offers a sharp, vintage-inspired hooped aesthetic that complements the team's traditional red and white quartered look.
The shirt is defined by bold red and white horizontal hoops, each red band carrying subtle fine lines running horizontally across the fabric. A ribbed V-neck collar and matching cuffs feature coordinated red and white striped trims, while a raised, metallic-effect heritage crest sits prominently on the chest. The historic emblem incorporates the Arch of Augustus, the city's red cross shield, and an old-school leather football. Sleeve graphics round out the local touch, featuring the pirate motif of Rimini landmark Bounty on the right sleeve alongside La Mi Ma branding on the left.
Rolled out as part of Macron's broader 26-27 portfolio campaign, the release demonstrates the Italian brand's emphasis on bespoke design across every tier of its club roster. While Rimini continue their campaign on the pitch in their signature checkered shirts, this hooped edition offers a stylish tribute to more than a century of club heritage.
CD Guadalajara 26-27 Away Kit Released
Spanish side CD Guadalajara has unveiled its new away kit for the 26-27 season. Produced once again by Kappa, the new release offers a sharp, colorful alternative that directly complements the club's primary identity.
The Kappa CD Guadalajara 26-27 away shirt is predominantly bright yellow, paired with bold purple accents honoring the club's signature morado shade. Purple covers the rounded crew collar, sleeve trim, and sponsor branding, including the Hercesa chest sponsor. Kappa's iconic Omini logos run in purple along the shoulders and right chest, while matching yellow shorts with purple hems and side logo tracks complete the full kit.
This away strip follows the launch of Guadalajara's 26-27 home shirt earlier in September, which brought a classic all-purple foundation detailed with crisp white piping and logos.
Wydad 26-27 Home Kit Released
Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club and Kappa have officially unveiled their new home kit for the 26-27 season. Built around the club's traditional red base, the shirt features subtle tonal geometric striping across the front panel for a clean and textured appearance. A retro-inspired red and white striped V-neck collar anchors the classic design, complemented by contrasting white Kappa Omini logos on the chest and shoulders alongside a monochrome white club crest.
Albacete Balompié 26-27 Third Kit Released & Debuted
Spanish club Albacete Balompié debuted their new adidas third kit for the 26-27 season during their La Liga 2 fixture against Girona at Montilivi. The Adidas Locker Room shirt features a black base adorned with a red geometric gradient stripe pattern across the front, highlighted by vibrant orange accents on the crew collar, the adidas Three Stripes running down the shoulders, and a monochrome orange edition of the club crest. Completed with matching black shorts and socks featuring orange detailing, the kit joins the club's traditional white home and away strips for the ongoing campaign.
Atalanta 26-27 Third Kit Released
Atalanta and New Balance have officially unveiled the club's new third kit for the 26-27 season. Completing the Italian side's set alongside the previously launched home and away strips, the jersey introduces an elegant aesthetic rooted in the architectural heritage of Bergamo.
The New Balance Atalanta 26-27 third shirt is finished in a warm beige base officially dubbed 'Toasted Sesame', accented by black and 'Taffy Blue' trim on the V-neck collar and sleeve cuffs. Subtly woven across the body is a geometric jacquard pattern inspired by the famous sundial of Bergamo's Palazzo della Ragione. The chest prominently features Atalanta's retro 1964 crest, which depicts the running goddess alongside traditional black and blue stripes.
The New Balance branding appears in black, while Lete's red logo and SNAIFUN complete the front sponsorship. Inside the collar, a bespoke graphic highlights the Bergamo skyline accompanied by the motto 'LA MAGLIA SUDATA SEMPRE'. Crafted with breathable NB DRYx technology, the new kit is available now via the club's official channels.