FIFA world champions badge: Liverpool seek Premier League nod
Liverpool have lodged an appeal in order to wear their new FIFA world champions gold badge in Premier League matches.
Current rules state that only charitable messaging can be added to shirts in the middle of a Premier League season – anything different from that must be ratified by their board.
But the Reds have asked the Premier League if the badge can be worn in all top-flight matches, arguing that it will simply show English football in a good light, according to The Athletic.
Officials at the club also believe given the huge achievement, Liverpool should have the right to wear it in all competitions. Real Madrid – who were world champions in 2016, 2017 and 2018 – were granted permission to wear the badge in La Liga.
At the moment, Liverpool will only be able to wear their prestigious symbol in Champions League matches, meaning it won’t be on show any earlier than February 18 in their last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid.
In order to wear the badge in the FA Cup, Liverpool will have to submit a separate application to the Football Association – they host local rivals Everton in the third round on January 5.
Incidentally, Manchester United were refused permission to wear the badge in the Premier League after they won the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup – the only previous occasion an English club has won the tournament.
Current FIFA guidelines state that the badge, introduced in 2007, ‘may only be used on the current official team playing shirts’ and ‘may not be used on previous or historical versions of the team shirts, training jerseys, tracksuits, training tops or any other products’.
Premier League Rules Won't Allow Liverpool to Wear FIFA World Champions Badges https://t.co/MQQWsFtIMf
— Liverpool FC Online (@liverpool) December 23, 2019
Read Also: Liverpool to don gold FIFA Champions Badge – but not in the Premier League
Jurgen Klopp’s side, according to FIFA rules, can wear the badge until the 2020 Club World Cup final after they beat Flamengo in this year’s edition 1-0, courtesy of Roberto Firmino’s goal in extra-time on Saturday night.
It is the Reds’ third trophy of 2019, following their triumphs in the Champions League and European Super Cup.