Mary Earps has won her goalkeeper kit row with Nike after the manufacturer was forced into a U-turn.
The England goalkeeper, who starred at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, has been embroiled in a heated row with the sportswear brand in recent months, The Sun reports.
Nike angered players and fans by choosing not to retail replica goalkeeper shirts for the Women’s World Cup.
The decision left supporters unable to purchase the star’s kit during England’s run to the final.
Although Nike argued that keeper kits do not sell as well, they have reportedly now U-turned on their decision.
According to The New York Times, Nike have said that limited quantities of the shirts will now be made available for retail.
The decision comes after their feud with Earps was reignited this week.
Earps took to social media to blast the brand after they broke their silence with a supposed apology.
Nike released a 104-word statement addressing the goalkeeper shirt debate.
“Nike is committed to women’s football and we’re excited by the passion around this year’s tournament and the incredible win by the Lionesses to make it into the final.
“We are proudly offering the best of Nike innovation and services to our federation partners and hundreds of athletes.
“We hear and understand the desire for a retail version of a goalkeeper jersey and we are working towards solutions for future tournaments, in partnership with FIFA and the federations.
“The fact that there’s a conversation on this topic is testament to the continued passion and energy around the women’s game and we believe that’s encouraging.”
Earps was not happy with the response.
“For my own family, friends and loved ones not to be able to buy my shirt, they’re just going to come out and wear normal clothes,” Earps said.
“I know there’s a lot of people who have spent a tremendous amount of money on outfield shirts and then put ‘1 Earps’ on the back, which doesn’t sit well with me either.
“It’s a very scary message that’s being sent to goalkeepers worldwide that ‘you’re not important’.
“It’s something that I’ve been fighting behind closed doors. I’ve been desperately trying to find a solution with the FA and with Nike.”
Fans had been unable to buy Earps’ shirt despite the Manchester United stopper winning the golden glove and saving a penalty in the final.
Her own parents were even forced to wear match-worn jerseys to Sunday’s loss against Spain.
In response to Nike’s stance, Earps’ own clothing line have been selling t-shirts for her fans, with both their designs selling out.
Meanwhile, another company have produced a “100% unofficial” shirt featuring the England badge alongside Earps’ name and number.
The Nike logo has also been replaced with the words “Just did it” on the shirts in a dig at the brand’s slogan.
– This article originally appeared in The Sun and was republished with permission.
