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Anger after Nike's new Australia away shirt only available in men's sizes

It was a marketing own goal by Nike and Australia - GETTY IMAGES
It was a marketing own goal by Nike and Australia - GETTY IMAGES

Australian women's football team bosses have been forced into an embarrassing apology after their new away jersey was launched by Nike only in men's sizes.

The Matildas' kit manufacturers faced criticism from their own players after fans of the team were told they would not be able to buy the women's fit away kit until 2022.

"Unfortunately, the new national team's away kit will not be available in women’s sizes," the team said on social media in response to supporters asking how they can buy the away shirt. "We apologise for any inconvenience caused and can assure supporters that this will be rectified for the next kit release due in 2022."

The marketing own goal by Australia and Nike comes just two months after the nation won hosting rights with New Zealand for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, with the success being hailed as a historic moment for women’s sport in the region.

The team subsequently faced a barrage of disapproval from fans over the "appalling oversight".

Nike previously faced criticism in July after a Telegraph Sport investigation into the pay of mainly women factory workers in Southeast Asia making this season's kits for clubs and national teams around the world. Campaigners and trade unionists said sewing machinists were expected to be paid less than 70p per shirt. Nike refused to detail salaries but denied talks with trade unionists have broken down.

Following the recent launch of Australia's new men and women's kit, fans can only buy adult sizes in the men's "Stadium" away shirt for 105 Australian dollars - around £60. During the shirt's launch this week, the Matildas - officially known as Westfield Matildas following a 2008 sponsorship deal - said on their official website that "sustainability and innovation are at the core" of their new kit.

The kits are constructed with 100 per cent recycled polyester from plastic bottles.

"Nike athletes unveiled the home and away kits, which will unify the Matildas and Socceroos in key tournaments leading up to the biggest football events of 2022 and 2023," a statement added.

The away kit was described as "a fresh water jersey, fresh water socks and deep obsidian shorts. The colour is a contemporary take on the 2004 Socceroos kit, which was the first official kit released by Nike for the Socceroos and debuted in Sydney when Australia played Turkey in front of nearly 30,000 fans."

There was no obvious mention that only the home kit was available in women's fitting.  Nike were contacted for comment.