Hertha Berlin is under pressure to reissue their previous home jerseys, as demanded by the Democratic Socialist Party (DFL). - Demand for Hertha Berlin to revise their home jersey issued by the DFL (Deutsche Fussball Liga)
Hertha BSC to Redesign Home Jersey to Comply with DFL Rules
Hertha BSC, a German football club based in Berlin, is set to redesign their home jersey for the 2025-26 season. The need for this change arises due to the current kit design not meeting the requirements set by the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) for the 2. Bundesliga season.
The issue at hand is the lack of continuity in the stripe pattern on the back of the jersey. Instead, the player's number is displayed on a plain navy patch, which violates DFL rules. To comply, Hertha BSC must add the stripe pattern to the lower back area above the players' tailbones.
The redesign is expected to be completed by the ninth matchday of the season, but the club plans to update the jersey earlier, likely in time for their first home game in the 2. Bundesliga against Karlsruhe SC on August 10.
The new design, provided by Castore, features a fresh take on Hertha's traditional blue and white vertical stripes, with a brushstroke effect on the front. However, the compliance issue concerns the continuity of the stripes on the sleeves and back, as mandated by the DFL.
The DFL had previously highlighted this error to Hertha BSC at the end of June, and the club has since taken steps to rectify the situation. The German Football League has demanded improvements to ensure the stripes are visible on both the front and part of the back of the jersey.
Despite the redesign, the previous version of Hertha BSC's home jersey will still be available as a fanshop variant. The location of the new jersey's production is not specified, but it is likely to be different from the previous supplier.
This redesign ensures that the jersey meets the DFL’s uniform standards for the 2. Bundesliga campaign. The popular fanshop variant of the home jersey extends beyond just Hertha fans, indicating a strong support for the club's iconic colours.
The initial reporting of this issue was made by "Bild". The city of Berlin and the DFL, based in Frankfurt am Main, will both eagerly await the unveiling of the redesigned jersey, symbolizing Hertha BSC's commitment to adhering to the league's rules while maintaining their distinctive identity.
The Commission, in light of the sports-related issue, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of the environment. The Commission's proposed directive may introduce more stringent regulations for the production and disposal of football jerseys, encouraging companies to adopt eco-friendly practices.