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Cody Gakpo.JPG
Reuters
Cody Gakpo.JPG
Reuters
World News

FA writes to Cody Gakpo over 'I belong to Jesus' vest

by Donna Birrell

The Football Association (FA) has written to the Liverpool footballer Cody Gakpo after he revealed a shirt bearing the words ‘I belong to Jesus’ during a match at the weekend.

The letter reminded the 25-year-old that there is an FA ban on religious slogans on items of clothing, boots and equipment.

Gakpo lifted his jersey to unveil the slogan on a vest after scoring for Liverpool in their 5-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday at Anfield. He also displayed it during celebrations after the game to mark Liverpool being crowned Premier League Champions.

The FA has however confirmed that no further action will be taken.

Law 4 of the International Football Association Board's Laws of the Game states: “Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images. Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer’s logo.

“For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by Fifa.”

Gakpo’s vest mirrored a shirt worn by Brazilian footballer Kaka, after his 2007 Champions League final win over Liverpool.

Last year, the FA sent two reminders to the Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi after he wrote the messages "I love Jesus" and "Jesus loves you" on his armband during a match.

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