German players call for freedom of footwear

BERLIN, Aug 15 (Reuters) German players are calling on the country's Football Association (DFB) to provide freedom of choice in footwear and stop forcing them to use boots made by sponsor Adidas when they play for their country.

Several national team regulars, including World Cup top scorer Miroslav Klose, wear boots made by rival sportswear companies when they play for their clubs but are forced to switch when they turn out for Germany.

Bild newspaper reported today that the players were ready to go on strike before tomorrow's friendly international against Sweden in Gelsenkirchen but team manager Oliver Bierhoff played down that threat.

''All the players are still here,'' Bierhoff said at a news conference on Tuesday. ''Talks are going on between the DFB, the sponsors and the clubs and I hope a solution can be found.'' Under the terms of Germany's sponsorship and equipment contract, players must be completely kitted out in Adidas gear.

REUTERS DH HT1622