Lion of Venezia 25-26 4th Kit Banned by Italian Football Federation
- Kit Design Controversy: Venezia's 2025-26 fourth kit, featuring a large winged-lion graphic, was modified for competitive matches due to concerns from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
- Violation of Decorative Element Rules: The FIGC likely rejected the original design because the lion graphic was considered a 'face' or an oversized club symbol, violating regulations on decorative elements in uniforms.
- Final Approved Design: The match-approved version of the shirt removed the winged lion graphic completely while retaining other graphic elements, such as the stars design.
Venezia’s spectacular 2025–26 4th shirt made waves the moment it was unveiled - but the version worn in competitive matches looked noticeably different. The large winged-lion graphic was completely removed for the match, resulting in a solid red base where the lion had been.
Footy Headlines can outline the two most likely reasons behind FIGC's rejection of the original design.
1. The Lion Graphic Was Treated as a “Face” Under Decorative-Element Rules
Italy's Regolamento Divise da Gioco (Uniform Regulations) features strict limitations on decorative elements. One of the clearest restrictions: graphics must not contain or give the impression of representing a face or identity of a person.
While the rule explicitly mentions “una persona”, the FIGC possibly interprets the “face-like” imagery more broadly. The lion artwork used by Venezia - highly detailed, large, and forward-facing - can be read as a portrait-style facial depiction, even though it is an animal.
Because the new decorative-element rules require graphics to be tone-on-tone, subtle, and non-recognizable, the high-contrast lion likely crossed that line.
2. The Winged Lion Was Classified as a Club Symbol - and Therefore Too Large
The winged lion (Leone di San Marco) is Venezia’s historic emblem and appears prominently in club iconography. Under FIGC regulations, club symbols may only be used once on the front of the shirt and must fit within a maximum area of 100 cm² - the size allowed for a crest.
The launch shirt’s massive winged-lion graphic extended across both shoulders and the entire upper chest. If the league classified this artwork as a club symbol, rather than a neutral decorative element, it would exceed the allowed size many times over.
Final Match-Approved Version
The adjusted match shirt keeps the design but eliminates the winged lion completely. All other graphic elements were allowed, including the star design.
Would you have preferred the original lion version to be worn in official matches? Let us know in the comments below.
Match-Worn 2026 World Cup Kits Sold With Patches Removed
A new long-term licensing agreement between FIFA, Fanatics, and Topps has introduced a new element to the 2026 World Cup: the "World Cup Debut" patch. First-time tournament players are wearing these special patches on their sleeves during their opening matches. As part of a collectibles strategy, these patches are physically removed from the players' jerseys immediately after the game. The authenticated patches will eventually be embedded into exclusive Topps trading cards, which are scheduled to hit the market in 2031 when the Fanatics deal officially begins. Big thanks to @moony_card & @SUI50743705.
While this initiative creates a new tier of soccer trading cards, it has sparked frustration among football shirt collectors. Because the debut patches are stripped directly from the match-worn shirts, the jerseys themselves are left incomplete. Shirt collectors, who value the historical accuracy and unaltered condition of match-worn kits, are disappointed that these authentic jerseys are being permanently modified for trading card products. This practice mirrors similar programs recently introduced in Major League Soccer and baseball, but its arrival on football's biggest stage has left many purists lamenting the alteration of World Cup history.
While this initiative creates a unique item for the trading card market, it has caused disappointment among football shirt collectors. Because the patch is removed after the final whistle, the actual match-worn jerseys will be left incomplete when they eventually reach auctions or private collections, missing a key detail from their on-pitch appearance.
Uruguay Requests FIFA 'Legacy' Patch for Muslera's 2026 World Cup Kit
The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) has formally requested that FIFA allow goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to wear the special 'Legacy' patch on his jersey sleeve during the 2026 World Cup. The patch is designated for players who have participated in five or more World Cup tournaments, a milestone Muslera is reaching with his inclusion in the 2026 squad.
Muslera was initially excluded from receiving the patch by FIFA because he did not register any playing time during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, despite being part of the official squad. His previous World Cup appearances came in 2010, 2014, and 2018. The AUF is now pushing for his recognition alongside other five-time tournament veterans such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Manuel Neuer, and Luka Modrić.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper is expected to start in Uruguay's opening match of the 2026 World Cup. If FIFA approves the request, Muslera's jersey will feature the 'Legacy' patch, marking his long-standing service to the national team across five different World Cup campaigns.
Spain 2026 World Cup Climacool Pre-Match Jacket Turns Heads
Spain's 2026 Climacool pre-match jacket, designed by Adidas for the 2026 World Cup, has caught the attention of fans and media alike. Worn by the players ahead of their matches in the tournament, the jacket has sparked a strong reaction online.
The Adidas Spain 2026 pre-match jacket features the usual design but with the striking, glossy Climacool look.
The Adidas Climacool 2026 World Cup Climacool jacket is not available to buy - Adidas only offers the regular version.
Thibaut Courtois Wears Special World Cup Golden Glove Patch
Following the introduction of special FIFA player patches for the 2026 World Cup, Thibaut Courtois has been spotted wearing a special Golden Glove patch on his Belgium kit, commemorating his award-winning performance at the 2018 tournament.
The new initiative by FIFA allows past award winners, including recipients of the Golden Boot, Golden Ball, and Golden Glove, to display their historic individual achievements directly on the sleeves of their national team shirts.
Inter Milan 2026-27 Dugout Jacket Leaked - Inspired by 26-27 Away Kit
We have the first image of a special Nike Inter Milan 2026-27 dugout jacket, showcasing a design heavily inspired by classic American sports apparel. Aligning perfectly with the aesthetic of the club's upcoming 2026-27 away kit, the varsity-style jacket features a blue body with contrasting white sleeves. It prominently displays a special circular "IM" monogram crest on the left chest, emphasizing the US baseball theme, alongside a classic white Nike Swoosh on the right.
Iwaki FC 26-27 Home and Away Kits Released
Japanese J.League side Iwaki FC has officially unveiled its new home and away kits for the upcoming 2026-2027 season.
Produced by technical sponsor Under Armour, the new primary jersey introduces a dynamic look centered around the club's vision of "becoming a light that illuminates the coast." The home shirt features Iwaki FC's signature "Growing Slash" pattern covering the entire fabric, a design choice meant to symbolize the team's powerful upward trajectory alongside the ongoing recovery and growth of the local Hamadori region.
For matches on the road, the Under Armour Iwaki FC 26-27 away kit introduces a bespoke aesthetic with deep local ties. The white, navy and red shirt incorporates the unique pattern from the "Fura City Iwaki" logo onto the sleeve cuffs, while the shoulder paneling features a custom design directly inspired by the maritime infrastructure of Iwaki's port.
Fans eager to get their hands on the new Under Armour kits have a tiered release schedule to look forward to ahead of the new season. An exclusive pre-sale for official fan club members begins on June 16 through the J.League Online Store, followed by a general pre-sale starting July 1. A full, widespread retail launch across physical club shops and Under Armour's official channels is scheduled for August 7.