FIFA orders Egypt to remove seven stars from World Cup jersey

Egypt will play their FIFA World Cup matches in kits not bearing the stars commemorating their seven Africa Cup of Nations victories, following a reminder from FIFA, according to the Egyptian Football Association.

The Pharaohs typically boast seven stars above their national-team crest on their football kits to recognise each of their continental triumphs, but were already reminded earlier this year that their Puma designs must be adapted to meet FIFA guidelines.

Egypt have also changed the colour of the numbers on their kit from gold to white to be clearer.

EFA Media Officer Mohamed Morad Thabet told ESPN: “It was a routine procedure: four months ago, FIFA notified the Football Association regarding the issue of not displaying the Africa Cup of Nations stars on the national team’s jersey during World Cup matches.

“[This was a] notification, it was merely a routine step. The national team had already anticipated this and made the necessary preparations well in advance.”

Egypt’s tournament begins with a match against Belgium in Seattle on Monday before they face New Zealand in Vancouver six days later. Their Group G campaign concludes against Iran in Seattle on June 26.