Egypt’s football association agreed on June 14 to remove Africa Cup of Nations star badges from World Cup kits after FIFA ruled the design violated uniform guidelines.
Players said the decision was pragmatic because point deductions would harm a squad already facing a difficult group draw.
Kit suppliers worked overnight to print alternate jerseys without the seven stars commemorating continental titles won over previous decades.
Supporters in Cairo debated whether FIFA’s enforcement disrespects African achievement, though team officials prioritized staying eligible for knockout rounds.
Retailers reported strong sales of fan editions featuring stars, suggesting supporters may continue wearing commemorative shirts outside official match venues.
Kit manufacturers rushed alternate jersey batches to Egypt’s team hotel to ensure players could dress uniformly before their next group appearance.
Former Egyptian internationals debated on television whether FIFA’s ruling disrespects continental achievement, though officials prioritized avoiding disciplinary points deductions.
Retailers in Cairo said fan-edition shirts with stars had sold quickly, suggesting supporters may continue wearing commemorative merchandise off the pitch.
Sports merchandisers near team hotels said replacement jerseys without stars would arrive before Egypt’s next training session.
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Sources:
https://www.ndtv.com/topic/world