“Roma Suspends Brand Officer and Pulls Adidas Tracksuit Over Rival Colors”
Roma has instructed Adidas to pull a tracksuit design from the market and has suspended their brand officer after fans expressed outrage over the use of their rival Lazio’s colors.
The tracksuit featured the Roma logo but had a predominantly light blue front with a white stripe, resembling Lazio’s jersey, despite its dark red top. Fans’ backlash prompted the Friedkin Group to act by removing the design from sale.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Chief Commercial and Brand Officer Michael Wandell, who managed the project, is now facing disciplinary action and could be dismissed. Although intended for fans and not players, the tracksuit has been withdrawn from stores and websites, while the matching sweatpants, which are red with a yellow trim, remain available.