Back when the Uniqlo UT Grand Prix 2019 winners were announced, a bit of an issue appeared. Some controversy arose over whether Li Wen Pei, the winner of the Uniqlo Pokemon UTGP 2019 competition, had broken the rules by using the design on products sold before. Now, Li Wen Pei has been disqualified, the shirt will not be sold, and Pokemon Sword & Shield will not include it as a possible top for trainer customization. (Thanks, Famitsu!)
Here is the official statement from the Uniqlo Pokemon UTGP 2019 website.
Uniqlo, the Japanese global apparel retailer, today announces that it has disqualified the Grand Prize winner and another finalist in its Pokemon-themed UT Grand Prix 2019 design contest after learning that the designs in question were not in accordance with the terms of that competition. Uniqlo will not award the Grnad Prize to another entrant or sell merchandise featuring the design.
Uniqlo apologizes to all stakeholders, including those who looked forward to buying an item with the Grand Prize-winning design, and will take appropriate measures to prevent a similar situation from recurring.
The other disqualified shirt involved a Mew-Two design by AJ Hateley. It would have been available in grey for Men’s sizes and purple for Children’s sizes.
The other 22 Uniqlo Pokemon shirts will be sold as planned. No replacements will be offered for the two missing designs shown.
The Uniqlo Pokemon shirts will be available online and in-stores on June 24, 2019.
