CHELSEA have been called “embarrassing” after their new home kit was released without a sponsor.
The Blues unveiled their retro 2023-24 home shirt despite still being in the hunt for a replacement for previous sponsor Three.
The West Londoners’ £40m a season deal with the mobile phone provider expired at the end of last season.
Todd Boehly and Co had negotiated a deal with streaming platform Paramount+, which was vetoed by the Premier League.
Prem chiefs deemed that the partnership could upset rights holders by promoting a rival.
Chelsea were then set to enter a deal with gambling company Stake.
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But this fell through due to a fan backlash.
Prem clubs will be banned from having gambling companies as shirt sponsors from the 2026-27 season onwards.
Amid their sponsorship dilemma, Chelsea have released their new kit without one – although the launch came with a caveat.
The new home shirt will not be available to fans until August 16 at the earliest – after the Blues have already kicked off their Premier League campaign.
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Chelsea’s launch also warns: “Fans should be aware that the 2023-24 home kit that features on pitch may subsequently feature a front-of-shirt partner.”
This would leave fans having forked out for a shirt that looks different to the one being worn on the pitch.
According to the Mail, Blues insiders have revealed that fans could be sent iron-on sponsor patches, should they strike a new agreement.
Telegraph reporter Matt Law pointed out the flaws, labelling them as “embarrassing”.
One fan subsequently wrote: “Starting selling at the end of summer is a terrible decision.”
While a second added: “Most fans prefer a shirt without a sponsor now.. however it’s pretty poor that it’s not on sale until after the season starts.”
A third tweeted: “In other words make double money as people will buy the kit with nothing on and then the one with a sponsor whenever it does come out.”
Many, however, wouldn’t mind if the kit remained without a sponsor, with one commenting: “I don’t find it embarrassing, our new shirt looks nice. It’s a win. We can get it in a few weeks. We also know why it’s delayed.”
Another added: “I want it without sponsor partner.”
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A further social media user opined: “It looks even better without the shirt partner. We love this.”
Someone else then pointed out: “After the disaster last season I’m intrigued to see so many Chelsea fans supporting the owners in this scenario.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
