FIFA Has Already Forbidden Player Cutting Socks
Jan 31, 2025, by Chris
- FIFA Ban: FIFA's 2025 Equipment Regulations forbid cutting or altering football socks, and this rule has been in place since at least 2022, though largely unenforced.
- Widespread Non-Enforcement: Despite the rule, professional football players frequently cut their socks without facing penalties from officials or governing bodies.
- UEFA Regulations: UEFA doesn't explicitly ban cutting socks, but their regulations emphasize visual uniformity and could potentially disallow modifications if they compromise the intended design of team attire.
Cut football socks are common on professional pitches worldwide. However, football's most significant government body has actually disallowed them, even though nobody noticed this yet. Big thanks to the fantastic football kit community, The Kitsman, for getting the discussion rolling.
FIFA Equipment Regulations Already Forbid Cutting Socks
FIFA has a rule in its 2025 Equipment Regulations that forbids socks from being "cut or altered in any way."
2025 and 2021 FIFA Equipment Regulations
The socks rule can be found in the Article 15.2 of FIFA's 2025 Equipment Regulations:
• Socks must appear as one continuous piece
• No visible alterations or cuts allowed
• Any tape must match the sock color exactly
However, a similar rule was already in place in the previous regulations used in the 2022 World Cup. Will FIFA finally crack down on this widespread practice?
The Curious Case of Non-Enforcement
While the regulation has technically been in place since at least 2022, it has been totally ignored by match officials and governing bodies alike. Stars across top leagues and even international competitions have regularly sported cut socks without facing any penalties or fines - despite FIFA having the authority to sanction players for equipment violations.
The big question is whether FIFA will begin enforcing these regulations through fines or other disciplinary measures. With players from the academy level to the Premier League cutting their socks to reduce calf pressure, any serious enforcement would impact thousands of players worldwide.
Other sock regulations
UEFA Has no Explicit Ban
Meanwhile, UEFA has no explicit rule that directly addresses cutting or modifying socks. However, there are some relevant regulations that could impact this:
- Article 42.01(c) covers "Undersocks and ankle-guards" and specifies that visible undersocks must match the color of the corresponding part of the playing sock
- The regulations are quite specific about visual uniformity of team equipment and maintaining the intended design
That said, while the regulations don't explicitly prohibit cutting socks, any modifications would still need to:
- Maintain the visual uniformity of the team
- Not compromise any manufacturer identifications or required markings
- Not affect the distinctiveness of the playing attire
Pepole's Opinions
Meanwhile, one thing is certain: not many fans appreciate players with holes in their socks; in fact, many dislike it.
What do you think - should FIFA start fining players for cut socks or continue turning a blind eye? Let us know in the comments 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.
Wydad AC 26-27 Home Kit Released
Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club have officially unveiled their new home kit for the 26-27 season, created in collaboration with Italian sportswear brand Kappa. Launched under the banner "THIS IS WYDAD," the shirt highlights the club's deep-rooted identity with a classic, retro-inspired aesthetic.
The Kappa Wydad 26-27 home jersey is predominantly red and accented with crisp white detailing. Its focal points include a striking red-and-white striped V-neck collar and matching trim along the cuffs. A subtle, tonal geometric pattern consisting of dynamic diagonal stripes runs across the torso, while white Kappa Omini logos sit across the chest and shoulders alongside the iconic circular Wydad AC crest.
The new Wydad 26-27 home shirt is already available for supporters to purchase through the club's official retail channels.
Albacete Balompié 26-27 Third Kit Released & Debuted
Spanish club Albacete Balompié has officially unveiled and debuted its new adidas third kit for the 26-27 season. The new strip received an immediate on-pitch premiere during the team's La Liga Hypermotion clash away to Girona at Montilivi, completing the club's 26-27 wardrobe following the release of their white home and away shirts earlier in the summer.
Created through the adidas Locker Room platform, the Albacete 26-27 third shirt features a black base overlaid with an energetic red geometric gradient pattern across the front. Striking bright orange accents add pop to the crew-neck collar and shoulder Three Stripes. The club crest is executed in a monochrome orange finish on the left chest to match the adidas performance logo and sponsor graphics.
Matching black shorts and socks, both trimmed with bright orange detailing, complete the full Albacete Balompié 26-27 third strip. What do you think of Albacete's new third kit?
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.
