A New Look for the World Cup

I’m sure most people don’t pay too much attention to the variety of uniforms that referees sport around the world, but I have never been terribly fond of the current American fashion trend in this regard. This is why I’m often a little jealous when I see the sleek collarless referees kits that are the norm in many other countries.

Take for example the kits that Adidas recently unveiled for the upcoming World Cup. You can see them here.

You’ll notice that they’re sharp, stylish, and contemporary. And hey, why shouldn’t the ref grace the pitch with a bit of class? Adidas seems to understand that a modern look befits today’s game.

I’m sure this will do little to raise the esteem of the referee in most people’s eyes, but for me it signals what I hope will be a positive trend for the future. Maybe the next time the USSF sees fit to update the officials’ uniform, they’ll take a cue from some of the top leagues in the world.