Nyon: UEFA has barred Ajax from wearing their original design for a Bob Marley-inspired uniform, claiming that it contained graphics that violated the federation’s rules. Ajax must change its popular Bob Marley-themed shirts in Champions League games because the three little birds motif breaks equipment rules, UEFA said Tuesday.
The strip was debuted for the 2021-22 season and was first worn by Ajax in their Eredivisie victory away to PEC Zwolle on Saturday. It was inspired by the song Three Little Birds, which has become an anthem for Ajax fans.
In the offseason, the Netherlands champion garnered widespread acclaim and a surge in sales after debuting a black jersey with little red, yellow, and green birds on the back of the shirt collar.
It’s a nod to Ajax fans singing Bob Marley’s ‘Three Little Birds’ as their anthem during games.
While after submitting the design for clearance a year ago, UEFA informed the club that it would not be permitted for use in games.
“The three birds being a tribute to Bob Marley’s song do not represent a team identification of Ajax as set out in Article 13 of the equipment regulations,” UEFA said in a statement, adding the manufacturer “was given the options about how the design could be adapted.”
The shirt, however, had been altered from the design initially released in the summer, and the reason has now been discovered to be due to an obscure guideline from the European Football Association.
While Ajax has decided that its players will wear game shirts without the birds, but fans will be able to purchase a version with the birds.
The team’s home uniform features thick red and white vertical stripes that are instantly recognizable.
Ajax’s Champions League campaign begins against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday. Borussia Dortmund and Beşiktaş are also in the group.
