UK says Nike’s football shirts are too expensive
The UK government has asked Nike to reduce the cost of its England World Cup shirts, with Prime Minister David Cameron suggesting fans were being taken advantage of.
Nike's limited edition England jersey - which costs £90, or a cheaper version is available for £60 - has also been criticised by British media and has prompted a backlash from football fans.
"It is very expensive ," Mr Cameron told BBC television. "Parents are under enormous pressure to buy the latest kit and we shouldn't be taken advantage of."
After being approached by sports minister Helen Grant, Nike stressed the cheaper version was available. "Nike would like to reiterate that the new England replica shirt is available to fans at £60 RRP (recommended retail price). There is also a limited number of shirts at £90 which represents less than 1% of the stock available."
The £90 version features the same material, fit and finish as the player’s shirts and includes the cooling technology. The cheaper shirt is a more basic replica aimed at the mass market and versions for children cost £42.
Nike this week launched its World Cup campaign with an advert featuring Portugal’s Christian Ronaldo, England’s Wayne Rooney and Brazil’s Neymar. It also revealed the US and Korean kits.
