Ismael Saibari’s torn socks spark Bundesliga rules debate

Ismael Saibari’s heavily perforated socks have become an unexpected talking point in the Bundesliga, with questions being raised over whether the Bayern Munich player has breached competition regulations.

The 25-year-old, who recently joined the Bavarian club, wore socks featuring 12 holes during Bayern Munich’s goalless draw with Schalke. The damage was so extensive that, according to German newspaper Bild, his legs appeared to be inside a piece of Swiss cheese.

Tearing holes in football socks is not a new practice. A number of players cut into the fabric to reduce the pressure caused by tight-fitting socks around the calf muscles, particularly as physical exertion increases during a match.

An English expert told The Mirror that footballers’ calf muscles can swell during games because exercise increases blood flow to the area. That can make the socks feel tighter and place additional pressure on the muscles.

Saibari has previously explained his own decision to alter his socks. After playing a key role in Bayern Munich’s 5-1 victory over Stuttgart, he told Bild: “It is about making sure that my socks are not too tight,” adding that his calf muscles are thick.

What do the rules say?

Although cutting socks has become common among players, the German football league’s regulations appear to be clear on the issue.

Appendix four of the German Football League’s licensing regulations contains guidance on match clothing and equipment issued on 5 December 2025. Clause 42.1 c.3, covering clothing and accessories, states: “Visible under-socks and normal socks must not contain holes.”

On that basis, the holes in Saibari’s socks do not technically comply with the wording of the Bundesliga regulations. However, the presence of holes does not necessarily mean a referee will intervene in every case.

That distinction was explained by referee expert Lutz Wagner, who discussed the matter with Bild. Wagner, 63, said FIFA and the International Football Association Board had decided that referees must ensure colour distinction remains clear to them, identifying that as the key consideration from an official’s perspective.

“The referee must intervene if the distinction is no longer clear or guaranteed,” Wagner said.

The issue is therefore not simply about the appearance of a player’s socks. It also concerns whether a referee can quickly identify the player responsible for an offence.

If the condition of a player’s socks or equipment creates visual confusion, an official could struggle to determine who committed a foul. That could result in a yellow card being shown to the wrong player.

Saibari’s socks have consequently become a notable subject in the German top flight, not only because of the unusually large number of holes but also because of the uncertainty over how the rules should be applied.

The question now is whether referees will regard such damage as a breach requiring action, or whether it will remain an eye-catching but largely tolerated detail on the pitch.