Bayern Munich, Adidas & Fans Should Establish Clearer Kit Color Guidelines Following Flexible Interpretation of 2018 Agreement
- 2018 Agreement Ambiguity: The 2018 agreement between Bayern Munich and its fans regarding kit colors has proven ambiguous, leading to continued dissatisfaction due to flexible interpretations.
- Lack of Specific Kit Rules: Bayern Munich lacks specific, written kit rules, which allows for variations that, while technically within the red and white color scheme, stretch the boundaries and risk reigniting fan protests.
- Call for Clearer Guidelines: It is suggested that Bayern Munich's board and fan representatives should create a more detailed rulebook, similar to Benfica's, to define acceptable color variations and design parameters for the kits.
In 2018, FC Bayern fans protested against the navy shorts of the Bayern 2018-19 home kit. The same year, Bayern and the fans reached a mutual agreement on the kit colors, with Bayern stating that "Home kits [would] be red and white only in future" - still, eight years later, fans are still not happy with the team's home kits - is it time for the parties to sit together and define new, clearer kit rules?
The Original Statement - Home kits to be red and white only in future
Open and constructive discussions have been taking place over recent weeks between the Bayern board and various fan representatives on the topic of club colours. These discussions have resulted in a mutual agreement. Jörg Wacker, board member responsible for internationalisation and strategy, also has responsibility for the department of merchandising.
He explains: "FC Bayern München AG has been in conversation with fan representatives about the use of club colours in kits. For fans, kits represent an important sign of identity with their club. FC Bayern München AG has thus announced that in future, only the club's traditional colours of red and white will be used in official match clothing - that is the home kit comprising shirt, shorts and socks. We will also stay in regular contact with fan representatives in relations to kits."
Bayern Munich Does Not Have Written Kit Rules
In our opinion, the 2018 mutual agreement between the club and supporters has proven increasingly ambiguous in its practical application. The original understanding, reached after fan protests over navy shorts in the 2018-19 season, stated that home kits would feature only traditional red and white colors, yet subsequent releases have tested these boundaries with burgundy tones, tonal patterns, and now gold accents planned for 2026-27.
While the club has technically stayed within a loose interpretation of "red and white," the lack of specificity around acceptable shades, accent colors, and design elements has created a gray area that could eventually reignite tensions.
We are sure that ultras and organized supporter groups will praise the 2026-2027 home kit, despite the gold details. The ultras did not mean any minor accent colors when they protested, but the use of too much navy and the navy shorts in particular. If the shirt is classic! red and white, with not too much experimentation, they are fine with it.
However, in the 2027-2028 season, there could again be problems. Bayern will use an unusual accent color on their home kit, which is not tied to the tradition of the club. Protests seem pre-programmed.
Bayern München's fans wanted classic red and white shirts - they got several kits that stretched the rules
For us, Bayern's board and fan representatives should reconvene to establish a more detailed rulebook that clearly defines acceptable color variations, permitted accent colors, and design parameters, ensuring both parties have clear expectations while maintaining the club's traditional identity.
Indeed, Benfica introduced clear kit rules after fan protests. Those rules have very clear guidelines for the home and away kits, with Adidas free to experiment with the third kit and all other stuff, such as pre-match. Bayern's fans should follow the Benfica model.
