Association Football
Third kits existed in English soccer at least as early as the 1940s. Until 1989-90, the Football Association's rules for the FA Cup stated: "Where the colours of the two competing clubs are similar, both clubs must change unless alternative arrangements are mutually agreed by the competing clubs". Away kits were often similar as well, therefore third kits were worn in the 1948 FA Cup Final by Manchester United and the 1950 final by Arsenal. Clubs sometimes needed to find makeshift third kits for their players.
Man United won the 1968 European Cup Final in a blue third kit, and England introduced light blue third kits at the 1970 and 1986 World Cups.
Since the 2000s, most clubs in major European leagues have used a third kit, or had one in reserve. Replicas of the kits are usually sold at club merchandise shops. Sometimes a previous season's away kit is used.
One notable incident occurred in 1996, when Manchester United changed into their blue and white third kit at half-time, with manager Alex Ferguson blaming the grey away kit for several sub-par performances. Ferguson commented, "The players couldn't pick each other out. They said it was difficult to see their team-mates at distance when they lifted their heads".
Read more about this topic: Third Jersey
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