Nike have performed a U-turn on their original, controversial decision to not sell Mary Earps’ England goalkeeper jersey.
The Manchester United shot-stopper voiced her upset prior to the Women’s World Cup kicking off in July, as her shirt was the only one out of the Lionesses squad that was unavailable to purchase.
Pressure mounted on Nike as the tournament continued due to Sarina Wiegman’s side’s scintillating performances leading them all the way to the World Cup final. Earps had been a standout performer for her nation throughout.
Despite sustaining a 1-0 defeat at the last hurdle, the No.1 was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament and was awarded the Golden Glove for her phenomenal heroics across the month, which included a penalty save in the final.
After arriving back in the UK this week, she took to Instagram to react to the Lionesses’ sponsor doubling down on their decision with a half-hearted statement.
Earps kept the pressure on
Earps said: “@Nike Is this your version of an apology/taking accountability/ a powerful statement of intent?”. She also shared a petition which was made to aid her fight, as well as support all women ‘keepers.
It appears as though the relentless pressure from Earps and supporters has compelled Nike into making the correct decision, and whilst it’s far later than it should’ve been, at least Earps has her justice now.
A spokeswoman for Nike said (via The Mirror): “Nike has secured limited quantities of goalkeeper jerseys for England, U.S., France and the Netherlands to be sold through the federation websites over the coming days, and we are also in conversations with our other federation partners.”
Well Done Mary Earps for not giving up. You put some sense into their Heads