New women's shirt row as fans denied names on Wales kit
The Football Association of Wales has been dragged into a kit row with players left disappointed that fans are unable to personalise women's shirts for this summer's European Championship.
The FAW unveiled a new away shirt earlier this year ahead of its women's team debut at this summer's showpiece in Switzerland – the first time the team have qualified for a major tournament. But supporters are unable to personalise the mint green jersey – made by its longstanding kit supplier Adidas – with a name and number, which has angered fans and even members of the Wales women's team.
A current member of the Wales squad, who wished to remain anonymous, told Telegraph Sport: 'It's extremely disappointing that as we prepare for the Euros, as we make history, we still can't get access to names on the back of our shirts. We've said for years, visibility is key and it is impossible for us to be in this history-making moment and actively choose against visibility.'
Crys Cymru newydd 😍
Introducing our new @adidasUK @JDFootball 2025 away kit 🏴
Available from 21.02.25 🗓️
#ForHer | #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/pczHzhu5XV
— FA WALES (@FAWales) February 17, 2025
It is understood that some members of the women's team and frustrated fans had previously tried to bring the issue to the FAW's attention. 'I know for a fact the FA have had emails complaining,' said one source close to the women's team.
Telegraph Sport has also learnt that a mother visited a JD Sports store – the FAW's official retail supplier – to ask for a shirt to be personalised with a player's name but was told it was not possible, which left her young daughter 'disappointed'.
This is not the first time a national women's team has been dragged into a kit row around a major tournament.
At the Women's World Cup in 2023, Mary Earps, the former Lionesses goalkeeper who stunned the women's football world earlier this month when she announced her international retirement weeks before the Euros, criticised Nike for not making replica versions of her goalkeeper shirt.
Nike later released the green long-sleeved Lionesses goalkeeper shirt for sale, with the product selling out twice after a matter of minutes.
In a statement, the FAW said: 'The Football Association of Wales (FAW) want every fan to have the opportunity to personalise their Cymru shirt with the name and number that they desire. The FAW is in regular dialogue with Adidas and JD to find a resolution for personalisation on the WEC 2025 away shirt ahead of Euro 2025 this summer.'
JD Sports told Telegraph Sport: 'JD does not currently offer personalisation on the WEC 2025 away shirt but we are awaiting an update from our supplier as to whether we are able to access the new colour, for this shirt, to get this in ahead of the tournament and therefore be able to offer personalisation.
'However, we do offer personalisation on the women's home shirt and are currently waiting delivery of a restock of that shirt to make it available to shop at JD again soon.'
Adidas added in a statement: 'A selection of our Uefa Women's Euro 2025 jerseys are currently available for customisation on our website, and the full range can be customised in-store where stock is available. We are always exploring ways to expand our options and better meet the needs of fans who want to show support for their teams.'
Wales, who have been drawn in England's group for the Euros, begin their campaign against the Netherlands on July 5 before facing France four days later. Rhian Wilkinson's side will meet the Lionesses on July 13.
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