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What's the story?
Reports from Mundo Deportivo today suggest that Barcelona has rejected kit-maker Nike's proposal of a white jersey for the next season. Nike had come out with a kit with white being the dominant colour. With Real Madrid being associated with the whites, Barcelona has declined Nike's design.
The background
It is a well-known fact that the rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona, popularly known as the El Clasico is one of the fiercest in the game. Real Madrid has been associated with wearing its popular white coloured jerseys while Barcelona is famous for its unique maroon and blue uniform. With the brand value of both these clubs at its peak, Barcelona has got a proposal from Nike to don a white jersey for the away games next season.
The details
The next season will be Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu's final year in-charge and hence, Nike came out with this unique design. However, according to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, The Catalans have rejected the idea. The design's striking similarity to that of Real Madrid's jersey is said to be one of the major reasons for the board at Barcelona to have taken this decision.
Barcelona is yet to wear a white jersey since the 1950s and Nike's proposed design also included the cross of San Jordi across the jersey. However, Nike will now have to come out with an alternate design to convince Barcelona.
What's next?
Real Madrid are eight points behind Barcelona in the Spanish League and it would be difficult for the Madrid club to overtake their bitter rivals. However, they have shown good form in recent games and a showdown against Barcelona in the semifinals of the Copa Del Rey would be an ideal opportunity for them to regain momentum. If they do end up winning against their arch-rivals, it might well signal the start of an upheaval of fortune for the Madrid-based side.
