UPN files complaint against Athletic over new shirt map | OneFootball

UPN has filed a complaint with the Comité de Competición Profesional against Athletic over the club’s new shirt featuring a map of Euskal Herria and its seven provinces, including Navarre. The kit was first worn at Real Madrid’s Bernabéu in the last league game.

El Correo reports that the row erupted as soon as the design was unveiled. PP and Vox echoed UPN’s stance, PNV opposed it, and the Navarre government rejected interference, saying the map does not affect the community’s reality or official symbols.

UPN says it acted after what it calls inaction from the club following a formal request to remove the emblem, a map overlaid with the ikurriña that expressly includes Navarre. Cristina Ibarrola argued the motif breaches neutrality required in competition.

She contends it conflicts with the IFAB Laws of the Game, citing Law 4.5 on political messages, and with the RFEF Competition Regulations, naming articles 183, 184 and 185.3.e. In her view, the design carries an unequivocal political identity that is not permitted.

Ibarrola said professional football should not project Navarre’s integration into a political reality different from that recognised in law. She added that many Navarrese Athletic fans oppose the image, and stressed respect for supporters, who are not to blame.

She criticised the Navarre government for looking the other way and said court rulings back the complaint. UPN will respect the sporting authorities’ decision, yet intends to pursue all possible avenues.

Source: El Correo