Sporting goods giant Nike have caved in under mounting pressure from outraged fans and announced they will make England goalkeeper Mary Earp’s kit.
The company has faced fierce criticism and a petition signed by 150,000 people after deciding not to sell the England goalkeeper’s top as part of its World Cup collection. The goalkeeper jerseys of other players were also not produced.
Although Nike is the official supplier of the women’s football team, the company has not taken into account the growing demand for the kit, but offers a similar kit for the men’s.
Earps herself also commented on Nike’s decision, telling the BBC that the company’s initial refusal was “very disappointing and very hurtful,” which is why she tried to start discussions with the brand.
However, Nike has now agreed to sell Earps jerseys in “limited quantities”, as well as goalkeeper jerseys for the USA, France and the Netherlands, which are set to go on sale via the federation’s websites in the next few days.
In a statement to the press, the company said: “We recognize that during the tournament we did not serve the fans who wanted to show their passion and support for the team’s goalkeepers. We are committed to providing goalkeeper jerseys at major tournaments in the future for women to sell.
This translated post previously appeared on FashionUnited.uk