By Natalia Rueda 
Adidas made a crucial decision on Monday amid mounting criticism over the design of the German national soccer team’s jersey. The brand announced that it will no longer allow the number 44 to be customized and printed on players’ jerseys due to its resemblance to the infamous Nazi ‘SS’ symbol.
This decision was made after social media users pointed out the alarming similarity between the number 44 and the graphic symbol of the Nazi ‘Schutzstaffel’ or ‘protection squads’.
This announcement has caused a stir in the media and has generated debate about the relationship between the Adidas brand and the country’s history. To clarify the situation, one of the company’s spokespersons explained that the number 44 will be blocked in all its clothing options for selection as soon as possible. He further stated that Adidas is a global company with employees from around 100 countries, and that it promotes diversity and inclusion in all its values and actions
Adidas has taken swift and forceful action to eliminate any possibility of association with Nazi symbols and has committed to finding an alternative design for the No. 4 together with its partner, 11teamsports.
With information from AP