Reports have emerged that prominent England football players, including Phil Foden and John Stones. Are absent from the official Euro 2024 sticker album produced by Topps, the American trading card company.
Topps secured the rights to produce the sticker album for the tournament in Germany after taking over from Panini in 2022. However, Panini retains certain rights related to individual players and the kits of some teams. Including England, which has led to their exclusion from the Topps album.
As a result, Topps has been forced to include other players in the squads, with individuals like Luke Thomas. Who has never been selected for the national team, featured instead.
Panini, which has been supplying sticker albums for every Euros tournament since 1977. Continues to produce its own album, featuring teams like England, Spain, Germany, France, and Italy. However, the Panini album has significantly fewer sticker slots compared to the Topps album.
The situation has disappointed collectors, with some expressing frustration over the absence of key players in the Topps album. The discrepancy in the number of stickers and the cost of completing the albums has also raised concerns among collectors.
Topps, now owned by Fanatics, criticized Panini for blocking certain parts of the collection, resulting in the omission of players from the Topps album. They emphasized their commitment to fans and their efforts to offer a comprehensive range of stickers and cards to enhance the excitement of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Panini and Fanatics are embroiled in a legal battle in the US, with Panini accusing Fanatics of engaging in anti-competitive conduct and violating antitrust laws. Panini’s complaint includes allegations regarding Fanatics’ acquisitions, including Topps, and exclusive licensing deals with major professional leagues and players associations.
The Guardian has sought comment from the Panini Group regarding the matter.
