![Barcelona officially reveal controversial new kit for 2015-16 season [VIDEO]](https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2015/05/17040239/Barca1-740x416.webp)
Barcelona has revealed their new Nike kit for next season which features hoops rather than the club’s iconic vertical stripes.
The new design was leaked months ago and was greeted by immediate disapproval from supporters. But Nike and Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu had already given the go-ahead for the revolutionary change to take place at the start of the 2015-16 season.
The horizontal stripes have been seen before on kits for the basketball, rugby and track and field teams at Barcelona. However, at no time during the 115-year history of the football club had Barcelona worn hoops.
The Catalan club’s shirt with its classic vertical scarlet and blue stripes had been one of the most recognizable in all of sports. But fans will have to deal with the new kit design for the immediate future.
A statement from Nike Football’s creative director reads: “These new kits are a homage to the club, its fans’ passion and its incredible sporting history. The kits are the result of a close collaboration between FC Barcelona and Nike and reflect a profound understanding of the unique cultural importance of the club and our shared commitment to revolutionizing the sport of football.”
The new shirt will be made available on May 26 at nike.com/fcb, before the Copa del Rey and Champions League final are played.
