Canada are the only country who won’t have a new kit
Canada are the only side at the Qatar World Cup who won’t be wearing a new kit this winter.
In the run-up to the tournament, every other nation competing have unveiled new shirts,but for Canada – despite ending a 36-year wait to appear in the finals – are the odd ones out.
Earlier this year, the nation’s kit manufacturers, Nike, confirmed the Maple Leafs wouldn’t be wearing a new kit as they are part of a ‘different kit development cycle.’
Canada players unhappy at lack of new shirts
Several players in the squad have voiced their displeasure at the news that their first World Cup appearance since Mexico 1986 will not be marked with a new shirt.
“I’m not a fan of it, to be honest,” defender Sam Adekugbe told The Athletic.
“I just feel like every team should get a new kit for the World Cup because it’s a symbolic event. I don’t hate it, but I would have liked to have gotten a new kit, just because it’s something to cherish.”
Meanwhile star player Jonathon David was spotted covering the Nike logo as an act of protest while celebrating his goal in their game against Qatar in September.
Jonathan David puts his hand over the Nike logo as he celebrates his goal for Canada vs Qatar. Canada are the only team not to have a new kit for the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/TuS5bvgw29
— James Nalton (@JDNalton) September 23, 2022
Canada Soccer defends decision
Canada Soccer general secretary Earl Cochrane revealed that the process to design and create a new kit can take as long as 18 months.
“It’s a long process,” he said.
“As opposed to just saying, ‘We’re going to make a decision today that Canada is going to work and we’re going to turn that around in two or three months.’ That’s a conversation that happens in 2018 or 2019, not 2021.”
Canada have been drawn in Group F in Qatar, along with Croatia – 2018’s beaten finalists, Belgium and Morocco.
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