BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Approximately two weeks before the FIFA World Cup, politicians from the Union parties are calling on sporting goods manufacturer Adidas to offer children's jerseys at more affordable prices. Stephan Mayer, sports policy spokesperson for the Union parliamentary group, told the 'Rheinische Post' that 75 euros for a child's jersey represents 'an enormous financial challenge' for many families. 'In this specific case, I would hope that Adidas finds a way to offer at least these jerseys at a significantly lower price.'

While politicians have no influence over pricing strategies, the CSU politician noted: 'We all want the national football team to have many fans among children; to achieve this, they must be able to identify with the team, and the jersey is a key part of that.'

Jens Lehmann, deputy chairman of the Sports Committee in the Bundestag, pointed to the high demand for the jerseys. 'As long as this remains unchanged, there will likely be no rethink by the manufacturers,' the CDU politician told the newspaper. Ultimately, 'the DFB and the manufacturer themselves must ensure they do not alienate their fans through an excessive pricing policy,' Lehmann said.

The final Adidas jersey for the time being

The World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico kicks off on June 11. These World Cup jerseys are the last to be produced by Adidas for the national team for the foreseeable future. The kit supplier contract between the German Football Association (DFB) and the manufacturer is set to end after more than 70 years. Starting in 2027, US sporting goods giant Nike will take over as the official outfitter for the German squad.

In a nod to the host nations, the home and away jerseys from the last World Cup held in the USA in 1994 have been reissued. Other jerseys from the German team's past sporting successes are also seeing a revival, according to Adidas.

While a child's jersey costs at least 75 euros from the Herzogenaurach-based manufacturer, prices for adult jerseys start at 100 euros./vrb/DP/zb