Chelsea could start new Premier League season without a shirt sponsor AGAIN as Blues ‘struggle to secure a lucrative sponsorship deal’ – and it’s dividing fans opinion
- Chelsea still have not secured a main sponsor for the 2024-25 season
- The Blues could start a new season in their simple royal blue, again
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Chelsea could start the new Premier League season without a shirt sponsor for the second year in a row.
With just a week to go until the start of the 2024-25 season, the Blues have reportedly STILL not agreed a deal for a main shirt sponsor, meaning they could play their opening games without a shirt sponsor.
And the latest pictures from the launch of their new away kit, taken during their pre-season tour of the US, suggest they are not much closer to a deal.
This would be the second time in a year that this has happened, with the West London club starting the 2023-24 season with shirts featuring only the club crest and manufacturer logos.
Last year, the club signed a short-term agreement with sponsor Infinite Athlete. During the preparation for the season, the players were seen in kits with the logo of the American technology company.
Recent pictures of Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, Malo Gusto, Noni Madueke, Tosin Adarabioyo and Mykhailo Mudryk in their new away kits suggest they still don’t have a shirt sponsor
The club signed a short-term deal with American technology company Infinite Athlete last season
But the club recently launched the home shirt, which was again sponsorless
However, it is unlikely the San Francisco technology firm will feature on players’ shirts when Chelsea take on Manchester City in their season opener at Stamford Bridge in a week’s time.
Premier League rules state that clubs can only have ONE shirt sponsor during a season. However, one change is allowed for one matchday in the season, so clubs can promote a charity partner.
Clubs in exceptional circumstances, such as financial problems or a sponsor not honouring its contract, will also be granted special exemption.
Club owner Todd Boehly has come under fire from fans for the lack of movement on a sponsor
History repeats itself after the Blues started their 2023-24 campaign without kit sponsors
The lack of sponsors just before the season opener is also causing division among fans, with some fans expressing concern on social media that the club’s commercial arm apparently cannot secure a lucrative enough deal.
Others claim they like the sponsorless look, saying it brings back memories of a simpler era in football, when fans and commercial interests were not so closely linked.