The Qatar FIFA World Cup has not been short of drama on and off the pitch. On Friday, Switzerland and Serbia locked horns and another bout of political statements dominated the game. Now, Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka is under the lens and could face a FIFA investigation for his actions.&nbsp;

Around the hour mark into the absorbing game with the scoreline reading 3-2 in Switzerland's favour, the Arsenal player&nbsp;grabbed his crotch while looking in the direction of the Serbian dugout. Naturally, the Serbian camp was rattled and several players ran onto the ground to confront Xhaka.

The referee promptly intervened and managed to break the two factions.&nbsp;Xhaka, in the process, was served the yellow card.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-edinson-cavani-punches-pitch-side-var-monitor-after-uruguay-crash-out-of-world-cup-539743">Read more:&nbsp;WATCH | Edinson Cavani punches pitch-side VAR monitor after Uruguay crash out of World Cup</a>

However, the controversy did not die here as after the full-time whistle, Xhaka was seen wearing a shirt with the name 'Jashari' written on the back.&nbsp;

When asked if the shirt had any political messaging, Xhaka said:

"There’s no political background to it whatsoever. Ardon is part of our squad and we spend a lot of time together. I told him if we won I would wear his shirt."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fifa-world-cup-pro-palestinian-banner-welcomed-during-matches-539647" target="_blank">WATCH | FIFA World Cup: Pro-Palestinian banner welcomed during matches</a>

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However, the name Jashari has a greater significance for the likes of Xhaka who is of ethnic Albanian heritage linked to Kosovo.&nbsp;

Adem Jashari was the late founder of the Kosovo Liberation Army and fought for independence from former Yugoslavia.&nbsp;

Xhaka's father was also involved in pro-Kosovo liberation protests and was imprisoned for six years for taking part in the demonstrations by the then Yugoslavian government.&nbsp;

This is not the first time that Swiss players have come under the scanner for their political messaging. During the last World Cup in Russia, Swiss talisman Xherdan Shaqiri alongside Xhaka celebrated goals against Serbia by making a two-headed eagle sign. The eagle is a reference to the flag of Albania.&nbsp;

After the controversial act, both were fined $10,000 by FIFA with Shaqiri issuing an apology.&nbsp;

"It's all about the excitement. ... People could give different interpretations to my jubilation. If this gesture could hurt the sensitivity of the people who watched the game...I'm sorry," said the former Liverpool player.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Qatar FIFA World Cup has not been short of drama on and off the pitch. On Friday, Switzerland and Serbia locked horns and another bout of political statements dominated the game.

The Qatar FIFA World Cup has not been short of drama on and off the pitch. On Friday, Switzerland and Serbia locked horns and another bout of political statements dominated the game. Now, Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka is under the lens and could face a FIFA investigation for his actions. Around the hour mark into the absorbing game with the scoreline reading 3-2 in Switzerland's favour, the Arsenal player grabbed his crotch while looking in the direction of the Serbian dugout. Naturally, the Serbian camp was rattled and several players ran onto the ground to confront Xhaka. The referee promptly intervened and managed to break the two factions. Xhaka, in the process, was served the yellow card. Read more: WATCH | Edinson Cavani punches pitch-side VAR monitor after Uruguay crash out of World Cup However, the controversy did not die here as after the full-time whistle, Xhaka was seen wearing a shirt with the name 'Jashari' written on the back. When asked if the shirt had any political messaging, Xhaka said: "There’s no political background to it whatsoever. Ardon is part of our squad and we spend a lot of time together. I told him if we won I would wear his shirt." WATCH | FIFA World Cup: Pro-Palestinian banner welcomed during matches × However, the name Jashari has a greater significance for the likes of Xhaka who is of ethnic Albanian heritage linked to Kosovo. Adem Jashari was the late founder of the Kosovo Liberation Army and fought for independence from former Yugoslavia. Xhaka's father was also involved in pro-Kosovo liberation protests and was imprisoned for six years for taking part in the demonstrations by the then Yugoslavian government. This is not the first time that Swiss players have come under the scanner for their political messaging. During the last World Cup in Russia, Swiss talisman Xherdan Shaqiri alongside Xhaka celebrated goals against Serbia by making a two-headed eagle sign. The eagle is a reference to the flag of Albania. After the controversial act, both were fined $10,000 by FIFA with Shaqiri issuing an apology. "It's all about the excitement. ... People could give different interpretations to my jubilation. If this gesture could hurt the sensitivity of the people who watched the game...I'm sorry," said the former Liverpool player. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Arsenal player's 'political act' during World Cup game could prompt a FIFA investigation

Liverpool's Switzerland winger Xherdan Shaqiri has signed a three-year contract with Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais, the two clubs announced on Monday.

Lyon added that the deal for the 29-year-old was worth an initial six million euros ($7.04 million), with a maximum of five million euros in add-ons.

Shaqiri joined Liverpool from Stoke City in July 2018, making 63 appearances in all competitions for Juergen Klopp's side, winning the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup and Super Cup in his time at Anfield.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentina-call-up-lionel-messi-for-world-cup-qualifier-against-neymars-brazil-407874">Argentina call up Lionel Messi for World Cup qualifier against Neymar's Brazil</a>

However, the Swiss forward was relegated to the bench in recent seasons, with injuries and stiff competition for attacking places at Liverpool limiting his game time.

"Shaqiri completes a midfield which is already experienced, and features several senior internationals... his arrival confirms that Olympique Lyonnais is giving itself the means... to have a great season in Ligue 1 and in the Europa League," Lyon said in a statement.

Lyon, who have two points from their opening three games in Ligue 1, travel to Nantes on Saturday.

Liverpool's Switzerland winger Xherdan Shaqiri has signed a three-year contract with Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais, the two clubs announced on Monday. Lyon added that the deal for the 29-year-old was worth an initial six million euros ($7.

Liverpool's Switzerland winger Xherdan Shaqiri has signed a three-year contract with Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais, the two clubs announced on Monday. Lyon added that the deal for the 29-year-old was worth an initial six million euros ($7.04 million), with a maximum of five million euros in add-ons. Shaqiri joined Liverpool from Stoke City in July 2018, making 63 appearances in all competitions for Juergen Klopp's side, winning the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup and Super Cup in his time at Anfield. ALSO READ | Argentina call up Lionel Messi for World Cup qualifier against Neymar's Brazil However, the Swiss forward was relegated to the bench in recent seasons, with injuries and stiff competition for attacking places at Liverpool limiting his game time. "Shaqiri completes a midfield which is already experienced, and features several senior internationals... his arrival confirms that Olympique Lyonnais is giving itself the means... to have a great season in Ligue 1 and in the Europa League," Lyon said in a statement. Lyon, who have two points from their opening three games in Ligue 1, travel to Nantes on Saturday.

Liverpool's Swiss winger Xherdan Shaqiri joins Lyon

Swiss footballer Xherdan Shaqiri is the latest Liverpool player to test positive for novel coronavirus. The forward has joined the list of Sadio Mane and Thiago Alcantara in contracting coronavirus, the Swiss football federation announced on Tuesday.

Swiss footballer Xherdan Shaqiri is the latest Liverpool player to test positive for novel coronavirus. The forward has joined the list of Sadio Mane and Thiago Alcantara in contracting coronavirus, the Swiss football federation announced on Tuesday. Xherdan Shaqiri joined his national team at the start of the week hoping to make his first appearance for his country since June 2019, but will now be quarantined. The player will be missing out on Wednesday's friendly fixture against Croatia as well as the Nations League fixtures in Spain on Saturday and in Germany on October 13. On Friday, Premier League champions Liverpool announced Senegal forward Mane had tested positive for Covid-19 four days after the club said new signing Thiago had the virus. Mane and Thiago missed Sunday's 7-2 humiliation at Aston Villa due to the virus while Shaqiri did not play either. (Inputs from AFP)

Liverpool forward Xherdan Shaqiri tests positive for coronavirus

Two second-half goals from substitute Xherdan Shaqiri gave Liverpool a 3-1 Premier League win over Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday as Juergen Klopp's side regained top spot with a pulsating performance in the North West derby.

Unbeaten Liverpool have 45 points from 17 games with champions Manchester City, who beat Everton 3-1 on Saturday, a point behind.

United are 19 points adrift of Liverpool in sixth place -- the biggest gap between the clubs at this stage of this season for 46 years -- and a daunting 11 points behind the top four.

Jose Mourinho's side's 26 points is their lowest return after 17 games in the Premier League era and the defeat, which could have been even more emphatic, is sure to re-open questions about the manager's future.

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Mourinho left French World Cup-winning midfielder Paul Pogba on the bench as he opted for a defence-orientated line-up but his attempt to get a third straight draw at Anfield ended in failure.

Klopp's side were faster, smarter and more incisive than a United team again lacking any cutting edge and looking mediocre against opponents who look equipped to fight Manchester City all the way for the title.

Liverpool roared out of the traps and took the game to United, grabbing the lead in the 24th minute when Sadio Mane chested down a pass from Fabinho and slotted past David De Gea.

Against the run of play, United drew level in the 33rd minute when Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker spilled a harmless low cross from Romelu Lukaku and Jesse Lingard pounced on the loose ball to find the net.

The hosts continued to dominate but too often were restricted to long-range efforts and it was not until the introduction of Swiss international Shaqiri that the game turned decisively in their favour.

Mane's pull back from the byline took two deflections as it ricocheted to Shaqiri on the edge of the area and his shot flew off Ashley Young and into the top corner to make it 2-1 in the 73rd minute.

Seven minutes later fortune was on Shaqiri's side again as another deflected shot, this time off Eric Bailly, beat the helpless De Gea.

Two second-half goals from substitute Xherdan Shaqiri gave Liverpool a 3-1 Premier League win over Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday as Juergen Klopp's side regained top spot with a pulsating performance in the North West derby.

Two second-half goals from substitute Xherdan Shaqiri gave Liverpool a 3-1 Premier League win over Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday as Juergen Klopp's side regained top spot with a pulsating performance in the North West derby. Unbeaten Liverpool have 45 points from 17 games with champions Manchester City, who beat Everton 3-1 on Saturday, a point behind. United are 19 points adrift of Liverpool in sixth place -- the biggest gap between the clubs at this stage of this season for 46 years -- and a daunting 11 points behind the top four. Jose Mourinho's side's 26 points is their lowest return after 17 games in the Premier League era and the defeat, which could have been even more emphatic, is sure to re-open questions about the manager's future. Boss.😍 pic.twitter.com/efagUc5yW8 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 16, 2018 × Mourinho left French World Cup-winning midfielder Paul Pogba on the bench as he opted for a defence-orientated line-up but his attempt to get a third straight draw at Anfield ended in failure. Klopp's side were faster, smarter and more incisive than a United team again lacking any cutting edge and looking mediocre against opponents who look equipped to fight Manchester City all the way for the title. Liverpool roared out of the traps and took the game to United, grabbing the lead in the 24th minute when Sadio Mane chested down a pass from Fabinho and slotted past David De Gea. Against the run of play, United drew level in the 33rd minute when Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker spilled a harmless low cross from Romelu Lukaku and Jesse Lingard pounced on the loose ball to find the net. The hosts continued to dominate but too often were restricted to long-range efforts and it was not until the introduction of Swiss international Shaqiri that the game turned decisively in their favour. Mane's pull back from the byline took two deflections as it ricocheted to Shaqiri on the edge of the area and his shot flew off Ashley Young and into the top corner to make it 2-1 in the 73rd minute. Seven minutes later fortune was on Shaqiri's side again as another deflected shot, this time off Eric Bailly, beat the helpless De Gea.

Xherdan Shaqiri strikes twice as Liverpool defeat Manchester United

Liverpool left Swiss forward Xherdan Shaqiri out of the squad for Tuesday's Champions League visit to Red Star Belgrade so they could avoid any distractions, manager Juergen Klopp said.

Shaqiri, an ethnic Albanian of Kosovar heritage, would have faced the prospect of a hostile reception from Red Star fans for the way he celebrated a goal at this year's World Cup in Russia.

Shaqiri scored the winner when Switzerland beat Serbia 2-1 in a group match and made a gesture which appeared to imitate the eagle on Albania's flag. The 27-year-old also had Kosovo's flag imprinted on his boots.

Serbia refuses to recognise the independence of its former southern province Kosovo, whose 1.8 million people are mostly ethnic Albanians, which broke away 10 years ago.

"We are here to play football," Klopp told a news conference on Monday ahead of the Group C game. "Shaqiri will play a lot of games for us but not tomorrow.

"We are in Serbia and we respect that 100 per cent. That’s the world. Politics has always influenced life – on the planet I live at least.

"We have to make sure that we remain focused on football. That’s why we decided what we decided."

Soccer's world governing body FIFA fined Shaqiri 10,000 Swiss francs ($9,970.09) for his gesture, which was deemed to be “unsporting behaviour contrary to the principles of fair-play”. He denied that the celebration had political overtones.

FANTASTIC ATMOSPHERE

Liverpool go into Tuesday's clash top of the section with six points from three games, ahead of Napoli on five and third-placed Paris St Germain on four. Red Star have one point.

Asked if they could not afford to drop points away to the group underdogs, Klopp said there would still be everything to play whatever happens at Red Star's Rajko Mitic stadium.

"It’s not like we have no chance of getting points from the following two games," said the German coach.

"Paris is not an easy place to go to and then we are at home to Napoli but tomorrow is not our only chance.

"I don’t think we should head into the game putting more pressure on to our shoulders and thinking that if we don’t win we have no chance (of reaching the knockout stages).

"You can enjoy the challenge as well and tomorrow is going to be a fantastic atmosphere. I love playing in a big atmosphere with the home fans supporting their teams and we have to make sure we are ready for that."

Earlier on Monday, Red Star coach Vladan Milojevic said he expected his side to be a different team to the one crushed 4-0 at Anfield in the reverse fixture a fortnight ago.

"The atmosphere here is fervent and it gives the players extra energy," he said.

"I am sure Liverpool won’t be bothered, but they will be fascinated. We’ve been to Anfield, it’s a cracking atmosphere there but still a far cry from the noise level here.

"This is a massive event for the whole of Serbia and the region because Liverpool are one of the best teams in the world. It should be a spectacular game."

Liverpool left Swiss forward Xherdan Shaqiri out of the squad for Tuesday's Champions League visit to Red Star Belgrade so they could avoid any distractions, manager Juergen Klopp said.

Liverpool left Swiss forward Xherdan Shaqiri out of the squad for Tuesday's Champions League visit to Red Star Belgrade so they could avoid any distractions, manager Juergen Klopp said. Shaqiri, an ethnic Albanian of Kosovar heritage, would have faced the prospect of a hostile reception from Red Star fans for the way he celebrated a goal at this year's World Cup in Russia. Shaqiri scored the winner when Switzerland beat Serbia 2-1 in a group match and made a gesture which appeared to imitate the eagle on Albania's flag. The 27-year-old also had Kosovo's flag imprinted on his boots. Serbia refuses to recognise the independence of its former southern province Kosovo, whose 1.8 million people are mostly ethnic Albanians, which broke away 10 years ago. "We are here to play football," Klopp told a news conference on Monday ahead of the Group C game. "Shaqiri will play a lot of games for us but not tomorrow. "We are in Serbia and we respect that 100 per cent. That’s the world. Politics has always influenced life – on the planet I live at least. "We have to make sure that we remain focused on football. That’s why we decided what we decided." Soccer's world governing body FIFA fined Shaqiri 10,000 Swiss francs ($9,970.09) for his gesture, which was deemed to be “unsporting behaviour contrary to the principles of fair-play”. He denied that the celebration had political overtones. FANTASTIC ATMOSPHERE Liverpool go into Tuesday's clash top of the section with six points from three games, ahead of Napoli on five and third-placed Paris St Germain on four. Red Star have one point. Asked if they could not afford to drop points away to the group underdogs, Klopp said there would still be everything to play whatever happens at Red Star's Rajko Mitic stadium. "It’s not like we have no chance of getting points from the following two games," said the German coach. "Paris is not an easy place to go to and then we are at home to Napoli but tomorrow is not our only chance. "I don’t think we should head into the game putting more pressure on to our shoulders and thinking that if we don’t win we have no chance (of reaching the knockout stages). "You can enjoy the challenge as well and tomorrow is going to be a fantastic atmosphere. I love playing in a big atmosphere with the home fans supporting their teams and we have to make sure we are ready for that." Earlier on Monday, Red Star coach Vladan Milojevic said he expected his side to be a different team to the one crushed 4-0 at Anfield in the reverse fixture a fortnight ago. "The atmosphere here is fervent and it gives the players extra energy," he said. "I am sure Liverpool won’t be bothered, but they will be fascinated. We’ve been to Anfield, it’s a cracking atmosphere there but still a far cry from the noise level here. "This is a massive event for the whole of Serbia and the region because Liverpool are one of the best teams in the world. It should be a spectacular game."

Liverpool left Shaqiri out of Belgrade trip to focus on game: Juergen Klopp

Switzerland usually arrive at major tournaments with modest ambitions but with one of the finest generations of players the country has produced reaching its peak, expectations are much higher at this World Cup.

The squad is brimming with players based in Europe's top leagues and those such as Ricardo Rodriguez, Fabian Schaer, Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka are all in their mid-20s with a World Cup and European championship behind them.

Swiss football is reaping the rewards of the hard work done in youth development a decade ago which tapped into the potential offered by second-generation immigrants, many from the former Yugoslavia.

Coach Vladimir Petkovic, who himself boasts a Yugoslav league winners' medal from his playing days with FK Sarajevo, has tried to establish a new attitude in the team, telling them they are no longer "little Switzerland" and must look to dominate matches.

The old defensive tactics which bored fans rigid at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups have been thrown out of the window.

The Swiss have jumped to sixth in the FIFA rankings, lost only one of 12 matches in the qualifying campaign and recently enjoyed a 6-0 thumping of fellow World Cup qualifiers against Panama.

For all the optimism though, doubts linger.

Apart from Portugal, the Swiss have not faced any of the world's leading teams since Euro 2016, a tournament where they never quite lived up to their billing and went out in the last 16 to Poland.

Some players have suffered a loss of form.

Schaer has fallen out of favour at Deportivo Coruna, Shaqiri has suffered relegation with Stoke City in the English Premier League and Xhaka, who runs the Swiss midfield, has been made the scapegoat for Arsenal's failings.

The biggest problem lies in attack where none of the potential forwards have had a good season at club level, with first-choice Haris Seferovic relegated to a substitute's role at Benfica.

Seferovic was even booed off the field when he was substituted in the playoff against Northern Ireland -- a very rare reaction from a Swiss crowd.

The Swiss have reached the last 16 at their last two major tournaments but have not made the quarter-finals since the 1954 World Cup, which the country hosted.

An awkward draw has somewhat dampened hopes that they could take that extra step this time around.

With Brazil expected to top their group, the Swiss will battle Costa Rica and Serbia for second place, which would likely bring a last-16 encounter with defending champions Germany.

Swiss football is reaping the rewards of the hard work done in youth development a decade ago

Switzerland usually arrive at major tournaments with modest ambitions but with one of the finest generations of players the country has produced reaching its peak, expectations are much higher at this World Cup. The squad is brimming with players based in Europe's top leagues and those such as Ricardo Rodriguez, Fabian Schaer, Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka are all in their mid-20s with a World Cup and European championship behind them. Swiss football is reaping the rewards of the hard work done in youth development a decade ago which tapped into the potential offered by second-generation immigrants, many from the former Yugoslavia. Coach Vladimir Petkovic, who himself boasts a Yugoslav league winners' medal from his playing days with FK Sarajevo, has tried to establish a new attitude in the team, telling them they are no longer "little Switzerland" and must look to dominate matches. The old defensive tactics which bored fans rigid at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups have been thrown out of the window. The Swiss have jumped to sixth in the FIFA rankings, lost only one of 12 matches in the qualifying campaign and recently enjoyed a 6-0 thumping of fellow World Cup qualifiers against Panama. For all the optimism though, doubts linger. Apart from Portugal, the Swiss have not faced any of the world's leading teams since Euro 2016, a tournament where they never quite lived up to their billing and went out in the last 16 to Poland. Some players have suffered a loss of form. Schaer has fallen out of favour at Deportivo Coruna, Shaqiri has suffered relegation with Stoke City in the English Premier League and Xhaka, who runs the Swiss midfield, has been made the scapegoat for Arsenal's failings. The biggest problem lies in attack where none of the potential forwards have had a good season at club level, with first-choice Haris Seferovic relegated to a substitute's role at Benfica. Seferovic was even booed off the field when he was substituted in the playoff against Northern Ireland -- a very rare reaction from a Swiss crowd. The Swiss have reached the last 16 at their last two major tournaments but have not made the quarter-finals since the 1954 World Cup, which the country hosted. An awkward draw has somewhat dampened hopes that they could take that extra step this time around. With Brazil expected to top their group, the Swiss will battle Costa Rica and Serbia for second place, which would likely bring a last-16 encounter with defending champions Germany.

FIFA 2018: Switzerland rely on young talents with a mix of experience for football World Cup

Switzerland winger Xherdan Shaqiri said he hoped sportswear maker Puma &quot;doesn&#39;t make condoms&quot; after several Swiss players ended their Euro 2016 match with France with shredded jerseys. 
 
The German company blamed a material flaw after four Swiss players -- Admir Mehmedi, Breel Embolo, Blerim Dzemaili and Granit Xhaka -- had to change their shirts in the first half of the goalless draw in Lille on Sunday. 
 
Recent Arsenal recruit Xhaka had to change his shirt again in the second half. 
 
&quot;I hope Puma doesn&#39;t make condoms,&quot; Shaqiri told Switzerland&#39;s SRF broadcaster. 
 
Former England striker Gary Lineker took the opportunity to poke fun on Twitter, writing: &quot;Swiss team&#39;s Puma shirts tearing like paper. Adidas ball bursting. You can never rely on German efficiency!&quot; 
 
During the same match, the Adidas ball used burst in a tackle by Swiss midfielder Valon Behrami. 
 
In a statement, Puma said that &quot;our five Puma teams have played 10 games at Euro 2016 before this without experiencing this problem&quot;. 
 
It later followed up to say that, in all, seven jerseys were ripped Sunday in &quot;grabbing and tugging by French opponents&quot; in the European Championship match. 
 
It said its investigation had found that &quot;there was a faulty batch of material in which the yarn was damaged during production&quot;. 
 
It blamed incorrect application of heat and pressure in the manufacturing process in a workshop in Turkey and promised that &quot;there will not be a repetition&quot; of the flaw. 
 
Puma is also the supplier for the teams of Austria, Czech Republic, Italy and Slovakia. 
 
All of them had &quot;confirmed that they had no problems of this kind and are very satisfied with the quality, functionality and design of the shirts,&quot; said the company. 
 
&quot;Puma regrets the incident and apologises to the Swiss Football Association and its players,&quot; it added. 
 
The Swiss shirts will be needed for at least one more match as the team has qualified for the second round. 
 
Puma&#39;s German rival Adidas said today that it had agreed a four-year deal to remain kit supplier to Germany until 2022, worth more than 50 million euros ($56.5 million) a year. 
 
The agreement with the world champions came in the face of competition from US giant Nike for the prestigious contract. 
(AFP)

Puma blamed for material flaw after four Swiss players had to change their shirts in the first half of the goalless draw in Lille on Sunday

Switzerland winger Xherdan Shaqiri said he hoped sportswear maker Puma "doesn't make condoms" after several Swiss players ended their Euro 2016 match with France with shredded jerseys. The German company blamed a material flaw after four Swiss players -- Admir Mehmedi, Breel Embolo, Blerim Dzemaili and Granit Xhaka -- had to change their shirts in the first half of the goalless draw in Lille on Sunday. Recent Arsenal recruit Xhaka had to change his shirt again in the second half. "I hope Puma doesn't make condoms," Shaqiri told Switzerland's SRF broadcaster. Former England striker Gary Lineker took the opportunity to poke fun on Twitter, writing: "Swiss team's Puma shirts tearing like paper. Adidas ball bursting. You can never rely on German efficiency!" During the same match, the Adidas ball used burst in a tackle by Swiss midfielder Valon Behrami. In a statement, Puma said that "our five Puma teams have played 10 games at Euro 2016 before this without experiencing this problem". It later followed up to say that, in all, seven jerseys were ripped Sunday in "grabbing and tugging by French opponents" in the European Championship match. It said its investigation had found that "there was a faulty batch of material in which the yarn was damaged during production". It blamed incorrect application of heat and pressure in the manufacturing process in a workshop in Turkey and promised that "there will not be a repetition" of the flaw. Puma is also the supplier for the teams of Austria, Czech Republic, Italy and Slovakia. All of them had "confirmed that they had no problems of this kind and are very satisfied with the quality, functionality and design of the shirts," said the company. "Puma regrets the incident and apologises to the Swiss Football Association and its players," it added. The Swiss shirts will be needed for at least one more match as the team has qualified for the second round. Puma's German rival Adidas said today that it had agreed a four-year deal to remain kit supplier to Germany until 2022, worth more than 50 million euros ($56.5 million) a year. The agreement with the world champions came in the face of competition from US giant Nike for the prestigious contract. (AFP)

?'I hope Puma don't make condoms' says Shaqiri

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