Nike finally U-turn on Mary Earps row and agree to sell England goalkeeper shirt
Nike has finally U-turned on manufacturing a goalkeeper shirt for Mary Earps amid an ongoing row amid releasing a replica goalkeeper shirt.
Before the World Cup started, Earps made it clear she was unhappy with the fact that young fans, as well as her family, were unable to buy a replica kit with her name on the back.
She spoke out on the matter and, followed by what seemed liked empty promises from Nike, a petition was launched following her displays Down Under, which cemented her position as the world's best goalkeeper, winning the tournament's Golden Glove award. And yet, following the final, there was still nothing from Nike.
But that now appears as though it may change. Or at least a start has been made, with Nike having now confirmed that they will be releasing a 'limited' amount of goalkeeper shirts.
“Nike has secured limited quantities of goalkeeper jerseys for England, U.S., France and the Netherlands to be sold through the federation websites over the coming days, and we are also in conversations with our other federation partners,” a spokeswoman for Nike said in a statement emailed to The New York Times on Wednesday evening.
Earps reacts to FIFA Best nomination and on season so far with Man Utd
Mary Earps saves a penalty from Jennifer Hermoso of Spain during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia on August 20,Just two days ago when Earps had landed back in England after the World Cup, she hit back at a fresh statement from Nike.
Following the Final, they had said: "Nike is committed to women's football and we're excited by the passion around this year's tournament and the incredible win by the Lionesses to make it into the final.
"We are proudly offering the best of Nike innovation and services to our federation partners and hundreds of athletes. We hear and understand the desire for a retail version of a goalkeeper jersey and we are working towards solutions for future tournaments, in partnership with Fifa and the federations.
"The fact that there's a conversation on this topic is testament to the continued passion and energy around the women's game and we believe that's encouraging."
At this point there was still no promise at a goalkeeper kit being manufactured, something Earps responded to.
She took to Instagram on Tuesday and posted a photo on her story. It included the statement from Nike, while her own message which read: "@Nike is this your version of an apology/taking accountability/a powerful statement of intent?"
It seems standing her own ground, having the fans behind her and the relentless pressure has worked. Now we'll hopefully see Mary Earps shirts on the backs of fans.
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