Adidas and AS Roma have been left red-faced after a major blunder was discovered on the club’s new kit. The Serie A club recently unveiled their 2023/24 jerseys, which featured a design using the “Mappa del Falda,” a historical 1676 map of the city. However, eagle-eyed fans quickly noticed that the design included a watermark from photograph supplier Alamy Stock.
It appears that the ancient map image used on the kit was taken directly from Alamy Stock’s catalogue, rather than being a bespoke design. This oversight has led to embarrassment for both Roma and Adidas, as the watermark stands out prominently on the numbers featured on the shirt.
Shirt collector @FutbolShIrTALIA, who ordered two of the new Roma kits with namesets, shared images of the jerseys he received, which also showed the Alamy watermarks on the numbers. This mistake has raised questions about whether those who have already purchased the flawed jersey will receive compensation.
However, it has been reported that both Roma and Adidas are working swiftly to rectify the issue. Italian publication Il Tempo claims that the club and their kit supplier are rushing to remove the copyright watermark before the kits are fully released to the public. The report also states that neither Roma nor Adidas are to blame for the error, as it was a third party that provided the Falda map for the design and failed to remove the watermark.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough quality control processes in product development. With such high-profile collaborations between sports clubs and apparel brands, attention to detail is crucial to avoid embarrassing mistakes like this one. It is unclear whether the third party responsible for providing the map will face any consequences for their oversight.
The inclusion of the “Mappa del Falda” on Roma’s new kit was intended to pay homage to the club’s rich history and connection to the city. The historical map, which dates back to 1676, showcases the club’s deep roots in Rome. However, the presence of the watermark has overshadowed this intention and drawn attention away from the design itself.
Fans and collectors who were eagerly anticipating the release of the new kit may now have to wait a little longer for the issue to be resolved. It remains to be seen how quickly Roma and Adidas can remove the watermark and ensure that the kits are released without any further complications.
In the meantime, social media has been abuzz with discussions and reactions to the blunder. Some fans have expressed disappointment and frustration, while others have found humor in the situation. Memes and jokes about the watermark have circulated online, further highlighting the extent of the mishap.
As with any product launch, especially one as highly anticipated as a new football kit, attention to detail is crucial. The incident serves as a reminder to brands and organizations to thoroughly review and double-check all aspects of their products before they are released to the public. A small oversight like a watermark can have a significant impact on the perception of the product and the brand as a whole.
In conclusion, Adidas and AS Roma have found themselves in an embarrassing situation due to a major blunder on the club’s new kit. The inclusion of a watermark from photograph supplier Alamy Stock on the historical map design has overshadowed the intended homage to the club’s history. Both Roma and Adidas are now working to rectify the issue and remove the watermark before the kits are fully released. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough quality control processes in product development and highlights the impact that small oversights can have on a brand’s reputation.