TSV 1860 München will enter the upcoming Regionalliga campaign sporting a different look on their shirts. The Bavarian side has temporarily abandoned its familiar lion crest and reverted to a historic design first documented in 1919, following complications with merchandising rights held by former investor Hasan Ismaik.
The club confirmed the switch in an official statement, explaining that legal restrictions currently prevent the operating company from using the lion emblem for commercial purposes. Until those constraints are resolved, 1860 Munich will display the “historical FA crest” across team materials and supporter merchandise.
Rights dispute forces temporary measure
The lion has served as the defining symbol for 1860 Munich’s footballers since before the First World War, according to research by the club’s history department. However, merchandising rights to both the club name and current logo remain with Ismaik’s company, though these rights do not extend to commercial use.
The club stated: “Until the lion can once again be used without restrictions as the crest, the new operating company will temporarily use the historical FA crest.” Officials added that the lion will return immediately once legal requirements are satisfied, indicating the change is strictly provisional.
A design from 1919
The temporary emblem carries authentic heritage despite its unfamiliarity to modern supporters. Research by club historian Claus Melchior traced the FA crest to 1919, though its precise origins remain unclear. Historical team photographs and commemorative publications confirm that while the lion dominated the club’s visual identity in the early 20th century, the FA design represents a documented chapter in the football department’s evolution.
“The FA crest is part of the history of our football department and is therefore being used during the current transition phase,” the club noted, framing the temporary adoption as a nod to tradition rather than a purely practical workaround.
Regionalliga implications
The change takes effect immediately ahead of the new Regionalliga Bayern season, the fourth tier of German football. While the visual adjustment creates practical challenges for kit manufacturers and club shops, sporting preparations continue unaffected. Managerial plans and squad composition proceed as normal while the legal situation regarding the primary crest remains unresolved.
1860 Munich have not specified a timeline for the lion’s return, stating only that the historic crest will remain in use until unrestricted use of the primary emblem becomes legally viable again.