No sporting reasons
Manuel Neuer is threatening trouble with FIFA
June 15, 2026 – 5:54 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
At the German team’s World Cup opener, Manuel Neuer wasn’t just the focus of attention because of his comeback. The goalkeeper could face trouble for violating FIFA regulations.
Manuel Neuer was hardly at the center of the sporting events in the German team’s clear opening World Cup victory against Curaçao. At 7:1 (3:1), the German number one had little to do apart from conceding a goal due to the outsider’s harmless offensive. Instead, his outfit came into focus.
It was clearly visible both in the stadium and in the TV broadcast that Neuer was wearing a white long-sleeved shirt under his green-turquoise, short-sleeved DFB jersey. In principle, this is not unusual or forbidden. The 40-year-old has been playing with short-sleeved jerseys for years and usually wears a tight-fitting long-sleeved shirt underneath.
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This time, however, the choice of clothing could have consequences. Because with the white shirt, Neuer was actually violating existing FIFA regulations. Visible underwear under the jersey is permitted, but must meet certain requirements.
On the one hand, no additional logos of clubs, associations or sponsors may be visible. Secondly, the underwear must have the same main color as the jersey. Neuer would therefore have had to wear a green and turquoise shirt instead of a white one.
Actually, control of the equipment lies with the referee. However, there were no corresponding indications from referee Jalal Jayed from Morocco. The 2014 world champion was able to finish the game without interruption.
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Before the game, Neuer initially wore a long-sleeved goalkeeper jersey. He then quickly cut off the sleeves. It is still unclear whether FIFA will investigate the incident.
With the clear win against Curaçao, the German team leads World Cup Group E after the first matchday. Next Saturday, national coach Julian Nagelsmann’s team will face Ivory Coast. At the end of the preliminary round we play against Ecuador.