Update: FIFA Ban Love Writing & Belgium Pre-Match Shirt Because of Commerical Reasons - UEFA Did Allow Both
Update: As predicted by us, FIFA did not reject the lettering love because of a political statement but because of commercial reasons. Meanwhile, images reveal that UEFA did allow Belgium to play with the Love writing inside the collar.
The lettering Love is deeply connected to the "Tomorrowland" festival.
Commercial Reasons: Belgium Allowed to Play With 2022 World Cup Away Kit If "Love" Is Tapped Over
Belgian spokesperson Stefan Van Loock said FIFA was rejecting the shirt not because of the colors, which are typically linked to LGBTQ+, but because of the commercial link to Tomorrowland. FIFA is allowing Belgium to play with the away shirts if the word "Love" on the etiquette is taped over.
Belgium 2022 World Cup Pre-Match Shirt Banned Because of Commercial Reasons (Tomorrowland Partnership)
UEFA did allow Belgium to wear the Adidas x Tomorrowland 2022 pre-match jersey.
Belgium's warm-up shirt was also rejected by FIFA because of its references to Tomorrowland, according to the Belgian spokesperson Stefan Van Loock.
UEFA Did Not Require Belgium to Remove Love Writing
Meanwhile, UEFA did NOT require Belgium to change their away kit. As visible in pictures of the shirts worn in the UEFA Nations League against Netherlands, the kits did feature the Love logo inside the collar. It is hypothetical if UEFA would have also allowed it in a more important competition like the UEFA Euro.
Update: FIFA Forces Belgium to Remove 'Love' Writing on Belgium 2022 World Cup Away Shirt - Here Is Why
Update: We have updated the story with several possible explanations for why the word Love was banned. Indeed, there are at least two paragraphs in the FIFA Equipment Rules that explain why the LOVE logo is forbidden. Both are not directly related to political messages and are not new - they have been there for many, many years. The story is being put in relation to the practical ban of the One Love captain armband but it is apparently not related.
Indeed, Belgium did wear the away kit in the friendly against Egypt last Friday. It can be not said if it featured the One Love text - the One Love logo is only on the inner collar of the authentic kit.
According to a report by ESPN, FIFA is pulling out the ban hammer again. This time, FIFA has a problem with the Belgium 2022 World Cup away shirt, which features an unprecedented look for a football shirt.
The word Love is inside the collar of the authentic and outside below the collar of the replica
The Belgium 2022 World Cup away shirt was created in collaboration with Tomorrowland, a famous electronic dance music festival held in Boom, Flanders, since 2005 and considered the biggest festival in the world.
The authentic version only features 'Love' inside the collar
Therefore, the Adidas Belgium 2022 away football shirt is predominantly white with vibrant multicolored trim on the collar, sleeves, hem, and underarms. The shirt is inspired by the Adidas x Belgian FA x Tomorrowland "LOVE" capsule collection and has the same aesthetic.
Allegedly, FIFA wants to ban the word 'Love' of the kit. The word "Love" features on the back of the replica jersey, while Adidas has placed it on the inside of the authentic version.
It is not known why FIFA forbids the use of the word Love. However, there are two paragraphs in the official FIFA Equipment Regulations that explain why it is banned.
1. (Possible) Reason: "Love" is No "Team Identifier"
First and foremost, teams are only allowed to have a "Team Identifier" on their playing attire, including kits (FIFA Equipment Regulations Paragraph 8.1). This includes a team slogan, crest, or team nickname but no "random" word live Love.
2. (Possible) Reason: Letter O is Made Of the Tomorrowland logo
The letter O is not a standard O but is taken from the official Tomorrowland logo. It is forbidden to include a logo (apart from the manufacturer logo) by UEFA Equipment Regulations.
Earlier today, FIFA threatened to take action if several captains decided to wear special 'One Love' armbands by giving them yellow cards on top of fines for the respective football associations. The captain's armband is prohibited because it is a "political message". This is not the case for the Love word, at least in our research.
In Belgium's case, it remains to be seen whether we will even see the away kit on the pitch during the World Cup - according to the official documents and Belgium spokesperson Stefan Van Loock, Belgium will wear their home kit in all three group games.
What do you think of this story? Drop us a line below.
Almere City 26-27 Home Kit Released
Dutch Eerste Divisie club Almere City have officially unveiled their new 2026-27 home kit. Produced by Craft, the release follows the launch of the club's away kit earlier in May, completing their primary set for the new season.
The Craft Almere City 2026-27 home shirt introduces a fresh look for the team, continuing the long-standing partnership between the club and the Swedish sportswear brand. The club announced that the new home kit will be available to purchase in the physical fanshop starting Saturday, with online sales beginning on Monday. The launch was promoted alongside the campaign hashtags #BetterTogether and #SamenVerderBouwen.
River Plate 26-27 Home Kit- Close-Up Back Collar Detail
Footy Headlines can leak a close-up detail on the back collar of the River Plate 2026-27 home shirt. It features the number 125 in a unique design, flanked by laurel wreaths on both sides. A circular emblem bearing the classic "Club Atlético River Plate" lettering is cleverly integrated into the number 5.
Spectacular Tahith Chong's Customized Nike Mercurial Boots
Tahith Chong has taken to the pitch for Curaçao at the 2026 World Cup wearing a highly unique pair of custom football boots. The winger opted for a pair of Nike Mercurial Superfly boots that have been completely transformed from their original design. Big thanks to @abcdefutbol.
The customization is incredibly extensive, leaving virtually no unpainted space on the upper. The bespoke design incorporates various characters, vibrant colors, and specific details that allude to his home country of Curaçao. The intricate artwork completely covers the standard Mercurial features to create a one-of-a-kind look.
These personalized boots are currently standing out as the most elaborate and detailed customization seen at the 2026 World Cup so far. The full-coverage paint job highlights how players are increasingly using their footwear to showcase their national pride and personal stories on the biggest stage.
Special Karşıyaka 2026-27 'Ata Mirası' Kit Released
Turkish TFF Third League club Karşıyaka SK and Hummel have revealed a special "Ata Mirası" (Ancestral Legacy) kit for the 2026-27 season. The kit celebrates the 100th anniversary of the club receiving the Ay-Yıldız (Crescent-Star) emblem, which was granted by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk during his visit to the club in 1926.
The Hummel Karşıyaka 2026-27 Ata Mirası football shirt is predominantly black, featuring historical details that honor the club's unique status as the first and only club granted the crescent and star emblem by Atatürk. Hummel's classic chevrons and branding are present, blending the club's rich history with the brand's aesthetic.
Al Khulood 26-27 Fourth Kit Revealed
Saudi Pro League club Al Khulood have unveiled their new fourth kit for the 2026-27 season. Made by Kappa, the Al Khulood 2026-27 fourth jersey has a stylish look in cream, green and red.
Guillermo Ochoa Wears World Cup 'Legacy' Patch Amid Eligibility Controversy
During Mexico's recent 2026 World Cup group stage match against Czechia, veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was spotted wearing the exclusive FIFA Legacy patch. Ochoa, who entered the game as a substitute, displayed the special badge on his 2025-26 Mexico kit to celebrate his historic inclusion in a sixth World Cup squad. The newly introduced patch features "Legacy" text and is intended to honor players who have participated in five or more World Cup tournaments, a milestone shared by legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The appearance of the badge on Ochoa's jersey has sparked debate, as it seemingly contradicts FIFA's strict appearance rules. While Ochoa has been called up for six consecutive tournaments spanning from 2006 to 2026, he did not play a single minute in the 2006 and 2010 editions. According to official guidelines, a player must see actual on-pitch playing time in at least five different World Cups to qualify for the Legacy distinction.
Adidas Teases "Trophy Polish" for Lionel Messi's Birthday
To celebrate Lionel Messi's 39th birthday, Adidas has teased a unique gift for the Argentine superstar. Taking to social media on June 24, the brand posed the question, "what do you gift the man who’s won everything?", accompanied by images of a special product.
The images reveal a custom "Trophy Polish" kit, designed specifically for Messi to maintain his extensive collection of silverware. The fitting tribute acknowledges his status as one of the most decorated players in football history, having won virtually every major team and individual honor available throughout his career.
Mexico Wear All Three Kits in 2026 World Cup Group Stage
Mexico have made the most of their 2026 World Cup group stage campaign by wearing all three of their 2026 Adidas kits. As co-hosts of the tournament, El Tri showcased their complete wardrobe, wearing a different uniform in each of their three Group A fixtures.
The national team began the tournament against South Africa in their traditional green home kit. For their second match against South Korea, they switched to their black third kit. Finally, to close out the group stage against Czechia, Mexico took to the pitch in their predominantly white away kit, completing the full rotation of their 2026 World Cup set.
The decision to utilize the home, away, and third kits in the opening round highlights a modern trend of maximizing kit visibility during major international tournaments. The strategy ensured that their entire collection received time in the global spotlight before the knockout stages.
Batman Petrolspor 26-27 Kits Released
Turkish TFF 1. Lig side Batman Petrolspor have officially launched their new kits for the 2026-27 season. Made by Adidas, the new shirts were unveiled across the club's social media channels, highlighting their traditional colors and the club's fighting spirit ahead of the upcoming campaign.
The new Adidas Batman Petrolspor 2026-27 jerseys are based on standard Adidas teamwear templates, incorporating the club's signature crest and classic red and white color palette. Fans will soon be able to purchase the new 2026-27 shirts, as local media have confirmed they will be available at the official Petrolstore in the near future.
Holstein Kiel 26-27 Home & Away Kits Released
Holstein Kiel and Puma have officially released the club's new home and away kits for the 2026-27 2. Bundesliga season. The launch took place during the traditional Kieler Woche event, fulfilling the fans' desire for a simple and elegant northern German design.
The Puma Holstein Kiel 2026-27 home kit features a clean, maritime dark blue base, moving away from the prominent patterns of recent years. It is enhanced by harmonious red accents on the sleeves and a Henley collar that is finished with a white button. White logos, including the Puma cat and the main sponsor, complete the club's traditional blue, white, and red color scheme.
The Puma Holstein Kiel 2026-27 away kit introduces an elegant look for matches on the road. It has a crisp white base decorated with thin, classic red vertical stripes on the front. The club crest adds a blue color accent, perfectly rounding off the traditional colors of the northern German side.
Nike Celebrates Guillermo Ochoa's Historic Sixth World Cup Appearance
Nike has officially recognized Guillermo Ochoa's historic achievement as the legendary Mexican goalkeeper makes his sixth FIFA World Cup appearance at the 2026 tournament. Joining an elite group of players to have reached this milestone, Ochoa's incredible longevity and dedication to the national team are being honored by his long-time sponsor.
To mark the occasion, Nike has created special custom gear for Ochoa, including a unique pair of goalkeeper gloves. The commemorative gloves feature the message "Seis convocatorias. 24 años rompiendo el guión. ¡Gracias, Memo!" (Six call-ups. 24 years breaking the script. Thank you, Memo!), paying tribute to his remarkable 24-year journey on the international stage.
Ochoa continues to be a crucial figure for Mexico. The special Nike tribute not only highlights his individual success but also cements his legacy as one of the most iconic goalkeepers in World Cup history.
