Nike investigating issue with World Cup kits including England

Sportswear giant Nike is investigating a design issue with the shirts set to be worn by several teams – including England – at this summer’s World Cup.

Bulging around the shoulder seams of the shirts was visible during the recent international break, particularly on the designs worn by England, France and Uruguay.

Nike did not respond to a request for comment from BBC Sport but a spokesperson told the Guardian, external: “During the recent international break, we observed a minor issue with our Nike national team kits, most noticeable around the shoulder seam.

“Performance is unaffected, but the overall aesthetic is not where it needs to be.”

Nike has also produced the kits of co-hosts Canada and the USA, as well as Turkey, Australia, Croatia, South Korea, Brazil, the Netherlands and Norway.

The shoulder seam issue is apparent on both ‘match’ shirts designed to be worn by the players, and ‘stadium’ shirts aimed at supporters, with many fans voicing their concerns over the issue with their purchases.

In the United Kingdom, Nike is retailing England’s stadium shirt at £89.99 and match shirt at £134.99.

The American company has produced England’s men’s and women’s kits since 2013.

“We always hold ourselves and our products to the highest standards and this fell short,” the spokesperson said.

“We’re working quickly to make this right for players and fans, because every kit should reflect the care, precision and pride that the game deserves.”

The kits have been designed to incorporate performance cooling technology in an effort to combat the extreme temperatures expected at the tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico which begins on 11 June.

England’s campaign starts on 17 June against Croatia in Arlington, Texas, while Scotland face Haiti on 14 June in Massachusetts.