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What’s the story?
Barcelona have reportedly rejected a new away kit design by Nike, ostensibly because it looks similar to Real Madrid’s white home jersey. The Spanish champions are in the process of deciding their third kit for the 2020-21 season.
In case you didn’t know…
The Catalan club is currently kitted by American sportswear giants Nike, who have partnered the club since 1998. Just three years ago, Barcelona signed a £120-million-a-year contract extension with the shirt makers.
Nike has designed a number of away kits for the club in the past, including Barca's recent pink stripe.
However, Barca and Nike are currently in disagreement over the latter’s proposed design of away kits for next season. The club and its kit sponsor remain divided on the choice of colour for the said away stripe.
The heart of the matter
According to a report by Metro (via Mundo Deportivo), the Barcelona hierarchy rejected Nike’s proposed design because it looks similar to that of Real Madrid’s white home jersey.
Nike’s suggested prototype is believed to be inspired by the white and red of the Cross of St. George, which represents the official flag of the city of Barcelona.
The idea was to commemorate the Catalan patron saint, St George, but the colour of the jersey has led to it being rejected outright.
The last time Barcelona sported a white away kit was during club legend Johan Cruyff’s playing days, but the club has since preferred other colours that do not bear any semblance with Madrid’s.
What’s next?
Barcelona drew 1-1 with rivals Real Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday night.
The second leg is three weeks away, therefore La Blaugrana's immediate concern would be to grab all three points when they play Athletic Bilbao over the weekend in Laliga.
