Nike will put replica shirts worn by England goalkeeper Mary Earps during the World Cup on sale following widespread backlash from fans and athletes.
Replica outfield players’ kits have already been on sale but Earps’ (who saved a penalty in the World Cup final) was not included, which she described as “hurtful”.
The move sparked public criticism and a petition amassing over 73,000 signatures, urging the sporting giant to U-turn, although it has yet to confirm how many shirts will be available or when they will be on sale.
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The company said it acknowledged the “unprecedented passion and interest in women’s football this year”.
“We recognise that during the tournament we didn’t serve those fans who wished to show their passion and support to the squads’ goalkeepers.”
There will be “limited quantities of goalkeeper jerseys for England, the US, France and the Netherlands to be sold through the federation websites over the coming days”, Nike added.
It is also “committed to retailing women’s goalkeeping jerseys for major tournaments in the future”.
“We hear and understand the desire for a retail version of a goalkeeper jersey and we are working towards solutions for future tournaments,” the manufacturer said.
Earlier this week, Earps spoke out on the controversy when Nike issued a statement saying it was “committed to women’s football” despite her replica shirts not on sale.
On Instagram she said: “@Nike, is this your version of an apology/taking accountability /a powerful statement of intent?”.
Prior to the World Cup, she said lack of a replica shirt represented a “scary message being sent to goalkeepers worldwide that you are not important”.
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