EAGLE-EYED Chelsea fans have spotted a leaked version of their home shirt which bears the club’s new sponsor.
Details emerged yesterday of Chelsea agreeing a deal with American tech company Infinite Athlete to become their front of shirt sponsor for £40million-a-year.
If the sponsorship gains Premier League approval, Chelsea will wear the new version of their kit during their season opener against Liverpool.
The club’s previous deal with 3 ran out this summer, with both sides failing to come to an agreement on a renewal.
Chelsea then came close to an agreement with gambling company Stake, but the deal fell through due to fan opposition.
A subsequent deal with Paramount+ came close, but failed to earn Premier League approval due to the league having a due to the league selling broadcasting rights to NBC in America.
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Which left the club with facing going into the new season without a sponsor on the front of their shirt.
The club played their entire pre-season tour in the sponsorless version – and unveiled the kit in its plain current state.
The rush to get a sponsor sorted before the start of the season meant fans are unable to buy the home shirt until August 16.
But fans on Twitter have spotted a clue that a deal between Chelsea and Infinite Athlete is near.
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Pictures shared by Sky Sports presenter Olivia Buzaglo on Twitter show the players posing in the sponsorless version.
But eagle-eyed supporters spotted a shirt draped over Buzaglo’s arm that bore the print of Infinite Athlete.
One fan said: “If you zoom in you will see something gold coloured.” which turned out to be the club’s new sponsor.
The behind-the-scenes snaps have therefore given a massive clue that Chelsea will indeed have a shirt sponsor this season even if it is desperately late in the day.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
