Adidas and their use of kangaroo skin for football boots is in the limelight once again. Meanwhile, Adidas are also under fire in Germany, despite resolving their dispute with the German Football Federation.

Adidas and Kangaroo Football Boots

Stella McCartney, renowned vegan, animal lover and Adidas designer, and Adidas are under attack from animal welfare campaigners.

Daughter of Beatles star Paul McCartney, Stella and Adidas are under fire due to their close business relationship. Stella McCartney designs Adidas sportswear for women in Running, Gym, Swim and Tennis.

The fashion designer, a strict vegetarian, has led attacks on the fur industry in the past, and has been criticised for her Adidas by Stella McCartney sporting range, which is due for a début at London’s Fashion Week in September 07.

Animal rights campaigners claim the use of kangaroo leather in Adidas’ football boots is the “largest wildlife slaughter in the world”, see previous report (Beckham Soccer Boots).

Andrew Tyler, director of Animal Aid, said: “Adidas’ use of kangaroo skin is inexcusably cruel. On the question of Stella McCartney’s alleged silence, we know she opposes animal cruelty and presume she is taking the steps she feels appropriate, to press the company to stop the use of kangaroo skins.”

This latest campaign could affect the Adidas range at the fashion show, but is unlikely to change Adidas’ view on manufacturing football boots in Kangaroo skin.

Adidas Seal German Football Agreement

It was announced as the worldwide record deal for football, but now that Adidas have secured their association with the German National Football Federation (DFB), the German Bundesliga clubs have spoken out at their disappointment.

As previously reported (Adidas, Nike German Football Sponsorship), Nike were prepared to offer the DSB significantly more than Adidas had pitched, but Adidas won the day, when it was confirmed last week that they would continue until 2018 as the national team sponsors.

Bundesliga clubs were up in arms, as they receive benefit from the DFB’s sponsorship deals and are now likely to receive £35 million less than they would have under the Nike offer.

The deal sees Adidas paying £13.5 million per year until 2014. During the final four years, that would jump to £17 million. Whilst the Bundesliga is to receive less, surely it is understandable that the Federation is willing to be branded by a Germany company and not an American?

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