Egypt forced to remove AFCON stars from World Cup kit

FIFA forces last-minute kit change

FIFA has ordered Egypt to alter their World Cup kit just one day before their opening match. The federation was told four months ago that the seven Africa Cup of Nations stars above the crest cannot appear on World Cup shirts, but the issue has now come to a head with Monday's opener looming. The number color on the jerseys must also be changed for visibility reasons. An EFA spokesman described it as a routine procedure. (1) (2) (3)

Fan reactions

Fans on Reddit are largely frustrated but not surprised, with many pointing out that FIFA has enforced this star rule consistently across tournaments. The timing, with the kit change surfacing publicly a day before Egypt's World Cup opener, has drawn irritation over how the federation handled the communication. See the full discussion here.