Nike provides update on plans for sale of Mary Earps' kit after heroic World Cup performance
The goalkeeper's kit is not currently avalible to buy
PA
Nike has given an update on whether they will start selling a replica of Mary Earps’ kit, after the company has faced mounting pressure from fans who want to buy the goalkeeper’s shirt for themselves.
The sporting kit manufacturer has come under fire from fans, pundits and the goalkeeper herself for not making Earps’ shirt available for sale.
However, Nike has made it clear that Earps’ shirt for this tournament will not be mass produced and will instead look at addressing the issue for future competitions.
A statement from the sportwear company said: “Nike is committed to women’s football and we’re excited by the passion around this year’s tournament and the incredible win by the Lionesses to make it into the final.
Earps saved a penalty in the 69th minute from Olga Carmona
PA
“We hear and understand the desire for a retail version of a goalkeeper jersey and we are working towards solutions for future tournaments, in partnership with Fifa and the federations.
“The fact that there’s a conversation on this topic is testament to the continued passion and energy around the women’s game and we believe that’s encouraging.”
The decision could come as a disappointment for many fans, who have been calling for Nike to “step-up” and put the shirt up for mass sale.
A 16-year-old fan, Emmy Somauroo, began a petition in July to see the England goalkeeper’s kit be put up for sale, which has hit almost 70,000 signatures.
After Sunday’s World Cup Final against Spain, Earps was awarded with the Golden Glove award, pressure for a purchasable replica has only risen.
“Let me get a Mary Earps' shirt, she's literally a hero,” a fan told talkSport after the game.
Her friend added: “Come on Nike, step up.”
Earps has described the decision from Nike as “extremely hurtful” and has even offered to pay for production of the shirts herself.
“For my own family, friends and loved ones not to be able to buy my shirt, they’re just going to come out and wear normal clothes,” the goalkeeper said.
“All my team-mates, they’ve ordered a lot of shirts for their friends and family, they’re talking at the dinner table “I wasn’t able to get this” and I’m saying ‘I wasn’t able to get it at all’.
“It’s a very scary message that’s being sent to goalkeepers worldwide that ‘you’re not important’.”
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Earps has found Nike's decision "extremely hurtful"
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She said she has been trying to find a solution with the FA and with Nike.
The calls have been backed by Laura Woods - who was covering the Women's World Cup for ITV - who posted on social media in July: "Mary's one of my favourite England players. I get it's not just Nike that do this, but how mad a decision not to produce and sell England GK shirts when that goalkeeper is Mary Earps."
FA Chief Mark Bullingham had suggested earlier this week that a solution was trying to be found. He said: "Mary is incredibly passionate about growing goalkeeping, as are we.
"We've got several schemes to get the next generation of goalkeepers coming through. We have got a plan for addressing that issue and it's something we'll get to after the tournament."
The statement comes after the Lionesses 1-0 defeat to Spain yesterday in Sunday’s World Cup final.
Despite the loss, the Manchester United keeper delivered a great performance in the final, who saved a penalty in the 69th minute from Olga Carmona.
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