FIFA has forced Egypt to strip seven stars and gold numbers from their World Cup kits just days before playing Belgium in their tournament opener, following a strict uniform ban.
Egypt, captained by Mohamed Salah, have been ordered to change their kit just days before their World Cup opener. Football's global governing body has laid down the law, forcing the African giants to completely strip the seven iconic stars from their tournament shirts.
The stars are a proud nod to Egypt's record-breaking seven Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) titles, but FIFA's style police have officially ruled them inappropriate for the World Cup.
Under rigid new kit guidelines, nations are strictly forbidden from flaunting continental silverware on their chests. FIFA's lawbook dictates that only stars representing actual World Cup victories can be displayed during the competition.
The Pharaohs, who traditionally showcase the seven stars to celebrate being the most successful team in AFCON history, haven't just been hit with a star ban. FIFA has also taken a disliking to Egypt's shirt numbering. The team's traditional gold digits have been blocked and must be replaced with plain white.
According to tournament chiefs, the metallic gold numbers failed visibility tests, and the switch to white is mandatory to ensure referees and broadcasters can actually read them during matches.
Egypt isn't the only nation falling foul of the strict dress code in North America. The latest move comes hot on the heels of FIFA intervening in Haiti's World Cup preparations. The Caribbean side was forced into a frantic, last-minute redesign after FIFA top brass ruled that specific graphic elements on their jersey could be interpreted as political statements in violation of the tournament's neutrality laws.
Egypt kick off their campaign on Monday (June 15) against Belgium, before navigating the rest of Group G against New Zealand and Iran as they hunt for a spot in the knockout rounds. This summer's tournament marks the Pharaohs' fourth appearance at a World Cup, returning to the big stage after missing out four years ago.
Mohamed Salah, who recently left Liverpool, is locked in to captain Hossam Hassan's side in what will be his second-ever finals. The winger previously featured at Russia 2018, where Egypt endured a miserable campaign, crashing out bottom of their group after three straight defeats. This time around, Salah and co will be desperate to avoid another nightmare exit as they hunt for a historic, first-ever spot in the knockout rounds.
