Who is behind the new Fifa World Cup sleeve patch programme?

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The new Fifa World Cup sleeve patch programme is a collaboration between Fifa and Topps, a trading card company owned by Fanatics.

The new sleeve patch programme for Fifa World Cup players is a multi-year initiative involving Fifa and Topps, an American company recognised for its sports trading cards and sticker albums. This venture is backed by Fanatics, a global leader in sports merchandise, and is set to align with the release of future Topps trading cards featuring these player patches. The programme is designed to commemorate significant player milestones and achievements throughout various Fifa tournaments.
Fifa and Topps Partnership for Player Patches

Fifa president Gianni Infantino announced that the player jersey patch programme will commence at the upcoming Fifa World Cup and continue for several years. This initiative aims to integrate special patches onto player jerseys, which will then be featured in Topps trading card collections, adding a new dimension for collectors and fans. The patches themselves are designed to represent various achievements, such as a player's debut in the tournament or participation in multiple World Cups.
Fanatics' Role in Sports Memorabilia

Michael Rubin, the chief executive of Fanatics, highlighted that similar patch programmes have been successfully implemented in major professional sports leagues within the United States, including the National Football League (NFL), the National Basketball Association (NBA), and Major League Baseball (MLB). This precedent suggests a strategic move by Fanatics to leverage its expertise in sports memorabilia and merchandise across a global platform like the Fifa World Cup. Fanatics' ownership of Topps further solidifies its position in integrating physical merchandise with digital and collectible elements.
Types of Commemorative Patches

Specific patches have been observed and reported, indicating a detailed system for recognising player accomplishments. For instance, a "Debut" patch is worn by players making their first appearance at a World Cup. A "Legacy" patch is awarded to athletes who have participated in five or more World Cup tournaments, with notable recipients including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Additionally, there are "Golden Boot" patches for past top scorers, such as Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe, and "Golden Glove" patches for goalkeepers recognised as the best in their respective tournaments, like Manuel Neuer and Emiliano Martinez.

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Who is behind the new Fifa World Cup sleeve patch programme?

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