Reasons Manchester City Is Unable to Wear Their Fourth Kit in Premier League Matches
Manchester City has found itself in a unique predicament regarding its kit usage in the Premier League. Despite launching an attractive fourth kit, the team is currently unable to wear it in league matches.
Overview of Manchester City’s Fourth Kit
Last season, Manchester City unveiled a fourth kit co-designed by famed musician Noel Gallagher. This kit celebrated the 30th anniversary of Oasis’ iconic album ‘Definitely Maybe’. The men’s team sported this kit during key Champions League matches against Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain. Furthermore, the women’s team wore it in notable fixtures against Paris FC and Barcelona.
Other Kits and Restrictions
In addition to the fourth kit, the men’s team also debuted a fifth kit during the 2025 Club World Cup. Meanwhile, during the 2023-24 season, the women’s side showcased a shirt inspired by the Chinese New Year in a League Cup match against Manchester United.
Premier League Kit Restrictions
The Premier League enforces stricter guidelines regarding the number of kits teams can release compared to other European leagues. This limitation directly affects Manchester City’s ability to wear their fourth kit during league matches.
Contrast with Other Leagues
In contrast, clubs in other European competitions have more lenient rules. For instance, Napoli donned an impressive 13 different kits during the 2021-22 season. This included themed jerseys for Halloween, various tributes to Diego Maradona, and several kits designed specifically for the Europa League.
Understanding these constraints highlights the challenges teams like Manchester City face in balancing tradition, marketing, and compliance with league policies.