Rare move in football history, Italy’s national team has banned players from wearing the number 88 on their shirts for Euro 2024. This decision follows an agreement between the Italian Football Association and the government, aimed at combating anti-Semitism in the sport.
The Context of Retiring Shirt Numbers
Retiring shirt numbers to honor notable past players is a tradition in football. For instance, West Ham United retired the number six in 2008 to pay respect to legendary English defender Bobby Moore, 15 years after his death. Similarly, Birmingham City retired the number 22 shirt in honor of their young talent Jude Bellingham before his transfer to Borussia Dortmund in 2020.
National teams also occasionally retire numbers. In 2001, Argentina retired the number 10 jersey to honor Diego Maradona but had to reinstate it before the 2002 World Cup due to FIFA regulations. Recently, the Argentine Football Association announced plans to retire the number 10 jersey again after Lionel Messi ends his international career.
The Ban on Number 88
The number 88 is viewed by some as a reference to a Nazi slogan, linked to the letter H. Italy’s interior minister, Matteo Piantedosi, emphasized that this ban is an effective measure against an intolerable prejudice that still manifests in stadiums. He stated, “Anti-Semitism must be strongly fought, along with all forms of racism and discrimination.”
This move is part of a broader strategy to prevent and combat racism and discrimination in sport. It aligns with other recent actions, such as Adidas banning fans from purchasing German football kits with the number 44. The company took this step because the number, due to its font, resembled the letters SS, an abbreviation for the Nazi security force Schutzstaffel.
You won’t see the number 88 on Italian kits at Euro 2024, reflecting a firm stance against anti-Semitism and discrimination. This action highlights the importance of addressing and preventing prejudices in sports, ensuring a more inclusive and respectful environment for all.
