BANNED: FIFA Forces Norway to Ditch Runic Font for U20 World Cup Due to Legibility Issues
Sep 30, 2025, by Phan Tich Giay
- Font Banned: FIFA has banned Norway's runic-inspired kit font from official competitions due to legibility issues.
- Legibility and Color Violations: The font violated FIFA's Equipment Regulations due to its abstract characters not being clearly legible and its use of a two-tone, split-color design.
- Standard Font in Use: The Norway U20 team is now using the standard Nike national team font at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup as a result of the ban.
As predicted by Footy Headlines upon its release, FIFA has officially banned Norway's unique runic-inspired kit font from being used in official competitions. thanks to @hendocfc for the interesting spot.
FIFA Banned Norway's Runic-Inspired Font at the 2025 U20 World Cup Due to Legibility Issues
The ban has been enforced at the ongoing 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, where the Norwegian team has been forced to use a standard Nike typeface due to the bespoke font's legibility issues.
Norway launched their stunning and unique bespoke font in 2024 to much acclaim. However, its artistic design, inspired by the runic alphabet, came with some problems that put it in direct violation of FIFA's Equipment Regulations.
The two main violations were:
- Legibility: The font's abstract and stylized characters were deemed not "clearly legible" enough for match officials, media, and spectators, as required by FIFA's rules.
- Color: The font used a two-tone, split-color design (blue and white). This directly violates FIFA's rule 7.2.2, which states that all names and numbers must "be of one single colour".
From Bespoke to Standard
As a result of the ban, the Norway U20 team is now wearing the streamlined standard Nike national team font, which was originally released for Euro 2024. The appearance of this standard font at an official FIFA tournament serves as the final confirmation of the ban on the bespoke design.
Due to these strict FIFA regulations, the beautiful runic font will now likely only be seen in friendly matches, where equipment rules are not as rigidly enforced.
What do you think of FIFA's decision? A necessary move for legibility, or a shame to lose such a unique design from a major tournament? Let us know in the comments below.
CR Belouizdad 26-27 Home Kit Released
Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 side CR Belouizdad have officially unveiled their new home kit for the 26-27 season, produced by Puma. Designed as a celebration of the club's legacy and identity, the shirt brings a classic look back to the forefront for the capital side.
The Puma CR Belouizdad 26-27 home shirt is predominantly red, anchored by a bold white chevron across the chest. It incorporates a white V-neck collar, patterned white sleeve cuffs, and a subtle "1962" detail on the sleeve honoring the year of the club's founding. The CRB crest with its championship star is placed over the chest alongside white Puma branding and the logo of main sponsor Madar Holding.
Built with Puma's dryCELL performance fabric and RE:FIBRE recycled materials, the new jersey is completed by matching red shorts and red socks.
Vitesse 26-27 Airborne Kit Released
Dutch club SBV Vitesse and technical partner Robey Sportswear have officially launched their special 2026-27 Airborne kit. Continuing an annual tradition that dates back to 2007, the kit commemorates the 1944 Battle of Arnhem and Operation Market Garden, and will be worn during the club's annual Airborne fixture in September.
Themed "V van Vrijheid" (V for Freedom), the shirt also pays tribute to a silent act of resistance during the club's 50th anniversary in 1942, when players formed a large 'V' on the pitch in a subtle nod to the Allied Victory sign. The jersey is presented in a deep bordeaux base covered in dynamic tonal chevron patterns that form subtle 'V' shapes across the torso. Contrasting sky blue accents highlight the collar, sleeve cuffs, and underarm panels, with a white poppy placed centrally on the chest between the Robey branding and the club crest.
Matching bordeaux shorts and sky blue socks decorated with claret chevrons complete the uniform. The Robey Vitesse 26-27 Airborne kit is available to purchase now through the club's official online store.
Cambodian Premier League Becomes First Asian League to Introduce "Debut" Sleeve Patches
The Cambodian Premier League has surprised kit enthusiasts and football followers by introducing an official "CPL DEBUT" sleeve patch, making it the first domestic league in Asia to adopt a dedicated debut patch on match shirts. While high-profile competitions across the continent like the Saudi Pro League, Japan's J.League, and South Korea's K League have yet to implement such badges, Cambodia's top flight has embraced the global trend.
Positioned directly underneath the official Cambodian Premier League crest on the right sleeve, the badge features a compact rectangular design with a bold red background and white "CPL DEBUT" lettering. The patch is applied to kits exclusively for players making their first-ever career appearance in the Cambodian Premier League, commemorating their milestone game on the pitch.
The concept takes inspiration from the debut patch movement that originated in American sports like Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer, which recently expanded to European football via UEFA and Topps for the UEFA Champions League. While the Cambodian version is an independent initiative by the league rather than a licensed trading card memorabilia tie-in, it adds a unique detail and collectible charm to debutants' match-worn shirts.
Newcastle United Announce BetMGM Partnership Extension
Newcastle United have officially announced a multi-year extension of their commercial partnership with BetMGM. The renewed agreement sees the operator, part of the LeoVegas Group, continue in its role as the Magpies' Official UK and European Betting Partner heading into the 26-27 season and beyond.
The collaboration first started in 2023 alongside BetMGM's launch in the UK market, following an earlier renewal in 2024. Over the past three seasons, the relationship has established a major presence on matchdays at St. James' Park, focusing primarily on fan engagement and digital activations rather than kit branding.
As part of the extended deal, Newcastle and BetMGM confirmed the return of the popular BetMGM Half-Time Challenge. The activation offers supporters attending home fixtures the opportunity to take to the pitch at the break and compete for prizes, including a trip to Las Vegas.
