Adidas' stunning design of Algeria's new pre-match jersey has been shrouded with controversy after Morocco sends out a legal warning to have it removed.
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What's the story?
Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication has asked Adidas to remove their new Algeria pre-match jersey due to cultural appropriation.
The ministry has claimed that the patterns of the jersey, which is common in Moroccan zellige mosaics, is an indication of Moroccan culture theft.
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Upon the release of the jersey, Adidas claimed that the jersey is inspired by the Mechouar Palace in Algeria.
Morocco vs Adidas Algeria
As per Al Jazeera, the Moroccan Culture ministry demands the withdrawal within two weeks of the jersey release or that the company release a statement that gives credit to using Moroccan zellige art as inspiration for the jersey.
A lawyer representing the Moroccan government took to Facebook to further explain why they want the jersey off the market.
Here's what Mourad Elajouti said:
"Under the mandate of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Communications, yesterday I issued a judicial alarm to the legal model of Adidas company, with its headquarters in Germany, regarding the use of styles of Moroccan cultural influences "Moroccan Zellige" in designs of sports shirts with their origin to another country.
"We alerted the company that it concerns a cultural acquisition and an attempt to steal one of the traditional Moroccan cultural heritage and use it outside its context, which contributes to the loss and distortion of the identity and history of these cultural elements."
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Adidas plans to release the culture wear collection to the public for purchase on 14 October and they've recognised the collection as something that's fit for royalty.
The German sportswear brand also launched Algeria's home and away jerseys, which they wore in a friendly against fellow African giants Nigeria, who also didn't qualify for the World Cup in Qatar.
Take a look:
Scroll through the gallery to get a good view at Algeria's pre-match kit:
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