Adidas Are Being Sued Over "Authentic" Shirts Sold to Fans
Adidas is being sued in the USA over the “authentic” NHL jerseys on sale to fans, which are claimed to be closer to “replica” standards as they differ significantly from the shirts worn by the NHL players themselves.
Adidas Being Sued over Quality of "Authentic" NHL Shirts
Classaction.com has reported the plaintiff’s claims that the “authentic” NHL jerseys are different with regard to fit, fabric and stitching. The jerseys the players wear are produced in Canada, while the ones sold to fans are made in Indonesia.
The photo above shows the pro players' shirts (top) compared to the "authentic" versions (bottom) that are sold to fans.
As the lawsuit tells it, Adidas’ “authentic” NHL jerseys are “closer to counterfeit” jerseys than to those worn by the pros.
The plaintiff maintains that the labeling of these shirts as authentic is misleading, and the actual value of the product is not equal to the monetary value placed on it by Adidas. They argue that this misleading advertising and promotion has led to Adidas increased profits for Adidas which they would not have made if not for the “authentic” status of the shirts, and that it would be more accurate to describe them as "replicas".
The lawsuit is being taken against Adidas America, who are also responsible for the production of MLS kits. They have attracted a lot of criticism over the last couple of seasons for the very visible differences between authentic and replica jerseys.
Authentic Adidas Football Shirts - Match Issue vs Player Issue
Real Madrid player issue authentic shirt
When it comes to football shirts, the same complaint cannot be made. Authentic Adidas kits available to fans are virtually identical to the match issue versions worn by the players, with only some very small differences. One such difference is that the match issue shirts have a number printed on the inside of the collar, and they generally don’t have wash labels, but his information is printed on the inside of the shirt instead.
Authentic and Player Issue Adidas football kits only have unnoticeable differences
However, the differences between authentic and replica Adidas football shirts are certainly noticeable. 21-22 authentic shirts made for Adidas’ elite teams have the following features:
- Made for the pros - slim-fit, as light as possible
- Heat-transfer badge
- Heat-transfer Adidas logo, 3-Stripes, and sponsor name
- Breathable, air-cooling HEAT.RDY technology
- Light front to back drop in hem length to improve freedom of movement
- Ribbed crewneck, slim-fit design
- Ribbed sleeve cuff with tipping
- Made with Primegreen, a series of high-performance recycled materials
21-22 replica kits for elite teams are characterised by the following aspects:
- Made for the fan
- Woven cannon on the chest
- Woven Adidas logo
- 3-Stripe tape on shoulders
- Stay dry with AEROREADY technology
- Straight hem shape - regular fit
- Ribbed crewneck
- Ribbed sleeve cuff with tipping
- Made with Primegreen, a series of high-performance recycled materials
What is your opinion on the quality of Adidas authentic and replica kits from your own experience with them? Let’s hear it in the comments.
Nike to Sell Long-Sleeve Besiktas Kits From 27-28 Season
Nike is set to introduce commercially available long-sleeve kits for Beşiktaş starting from the 27-28 season. Following the club's major switch from Adidas after 17 years, supporters will finally have direct access to official long-sleeve match jerseys at retail. Big thanks to @ertansuzgun & @Formaholic.
The timing aligns with significant milestone celebrations in Istanbul, as Nike is also planning a special 125th-anniversary collection for Beşiktaş during the 27-28 campaign to mark the club's foundation in 1903. Rather than relying on base layers and compression undershirts, players and fans alike will see dedicated long-sleeve designs included in the lineup.
The development forms part of Nike's wider strategy to bring back commercial long-sleeve authentic shirts across its elite roster from 27-28 onwards. By expanding long-sleeve availability to Beşiktaş, Nike closes the gap on rivals like Adidas and provides the Black Eagles with full top-tier treatment under their new partnership.
Melbourne City 26-27 Home, Away & Third Kits Released
Puma and A-League club Melbourne City FC have officially unveiled their complete kit collection for the 26-27 campaign. Launched under the campaign tagline 'Made of City', the three-kit drop blends the club's signature identity with Melbourne street culture and club heritage.
The Melbourne City 26-27 home shirt stays true to tradition, centered around the iconic City Blue base. Drawing inspiration directly from the club badge, red and yellow trim accents decorate the collar and sleeve cuffs. Meanwhile, the away kit leans into nocturnal Melbourne fashion, pairing a deep plum jersey with an abstract zig-zag graphic and vibrant shimmer pink branding across all sponsor prints and the club crest.
Rounding out the lineup is the 26-27 third kit, which pays homage to the club's origins as Melbourne Heart. The shirt combines a crisp off-white base with red accents and incorporates a subtle heartbeat graphic emerging across the chest from behind the crest. A heart motif inside the collar completes the tribute. The new collection is available through Melbourne City's online store and Puma Australia.
AC Mestre 26-27 Third Kit Released
Italian Serie D club AC Mestre has officially unveiled its new third kit for the 26-27 campaign, manufactured once again by Japanese sportswear brand Mizuno. The new drop follows the earlier presentations of the club's home and away shirts, completing their kit lineup for the new season.
The Mizuno AC Mestre 26-27 third shirt introduces a sleek and stealthy design, dominated by a black base accented by vibrant orange details. Bright orange trim lines the V-neck collar and broad sleeve cuffs, while both the Mizuno Runbird logo and the AC Mestre crest are rendered in matching monochrome orange. A subtle jacquard pattern is also incorporated across the front fabric, adding depth to the understated look.
Black shorts and socks with orange detailing complete the full AC Mestre 26-27 third uniform.
Video: FC Barcelona 27-28 Home Kit
Based on leaked images, Footy Headlines can bring you a 360º video of Barcelona’s 2027-28 home kit, created using Kit Creator.
Adidas to Launch Arsenal 26-27 Spezial Collection
Adidas is expanding its terrace-rooted Spezial F.C. label to the Emirates, with a newly surfaced teaser confirming an upcoming Arsenal SPZL F.C. collection. Thanks to @IamCrisJ.
The teaser reveals the collaborative Arsenal SPZL F.C. insignia, presenting the club's heritage cannon emblem and "AFC" cannonballs in red set above a red-bordered box housing the Trefoil and "adidas SPEZIAL F.C." branding in gold. Following the blueprint established by previous SPZL F.C. club projects, the range will lean heavily into retro football culture, archival tailoring, and casual terrace style.
The upcoming Arsenal SPZL F.C. range will include bespoke footwear and lifestyle apparel, slated for release through ArsenalDirect, adidas, and select Spezial retailers.