Fellaini's Suit Against New Balance's 'Defective' Football Boots Fails
May 10, 2018, by Chris
In November 2017, it emerged that Manchester United's Farouane Fellaini sued New Balance for £2.1million because New Balance's “defective” football boots were too tight, damaged his feet and caused untold pain. He also claimed that New Balance had simply copied boots made by their competitor, Nike. Story via The Telegraph.
But now a High Court judge has thrown out Fellaini's bid to sue New Balance, concluding that his contract with the sportswear giant was invalid, meaning he did not have to be wearing them at all.
Rosalina Investments, the investment company representing Fellaini, said that New Balance breached an agreement to pay Fellaini if he wore the company’s boots. New Balance said there were no "reasonable grounds" for asserting that a valid contract had been in place. Farouane Fellaini signed a four-year deal with New Balance, worth £600,000-a-year, in 2012.
Fellaini is now wearing Nike Tiempo boots
But when Fellaini's four-year deal with New Balance expired in September 2016, a new contract was never formally agreed. The judge acknowledged that both sides had continued to communicate beyond this date as if a contract was in place, including repeated communications about the alleged pain his boots were causing him.
But she described Fellaini's refusal in December 2016 to attend any further personal appearances until a new contract was signed as “significant”. “The case based upon breach of contract is in my view bound to fail,” she said.
Fellaini said he would appeal against the judge's decision.
Adidas Croatia 2026-27 Away Kit Leaked - No More Nike - 3 New Images of Authentic Version
Thanks to Gary Walker, we have new images of the Adidas Croatia 2026-2027 away kit by Adidas. It is set to launch very soon, with a debut next week.
FC Cartagena 26-27 Away Kit Released
Spanish side FC Cartagena and Macron have officially launched their new away kit for the 26-27 season, paying homage to the city's rich three-thousand-year heritage. Draped in traditional carmesí red, the jersey is decorated with an intricate all-over graphic pattern inspired by an ancient Roman mosaic uncovered in the crypt beneath the Catedral de Santa María la Vieja. Elegant gold detailing highlights the monochrome crest, collar trim, sleeve cuffs, and sponsor emblems, completed by the Latin motto Carthago Nova Invicta Est subtly sublimated onto the lower hem.
Nike to Sell Long-Sleeve Besiktas Kits From 27-28 Season
Nike is set to introduce commercially available long-sleeve kits for Beşiktaş starting from the 27-28 season. Following the club's major switch from Adidas after 17 years, supporters will finally have direct access to official long-sleeve match jerseys at retail. Big thanks to @ertansuzgun & @Formaholic.
The timing aligns with significant milestone celebrations in Istanbul, as Nike is also planning a special 125th-anniversary collection for Beşiktaş during the 27-28 campaign to mark the club's foundation in 1903. Rather than relying on base layers and compression undershirts, players and fans alike will see dedicated long-sleeve designs included in the lineup.
The development forms part of Nike's wider strategy to bring back commercial long-sleeve authentic shirts across its elite roster from 27-28 onwards. By expanding long-sleeve availability to Beşiktaş, Nike closes the gap on rivals like Adidas and provides the Black Eagles with full top-tier treatment under their new partnership.
Melbourne City 26-27 Home, Away & Third Kits Released
Puma and A-League club Melbourne City FC have officially unveiled their complete kit collection for the 26-27 campaign. Launched under the campaign tagline 'Made of City', the three-kit drop blends the club's signature identity with Melbourne street culture and club heritage.
The Melbourne City 26-27 home shirt stays true to tradition, centered around the iconic City Blue base. Drawing inspiration directly from the club badge, red and yellow trim accents decorate the collar and sleeve cuffs. Meanwhile, the away kit leans into nocturnal Melbourne fashion, pairing a deep plum jersey with an abstract zig-zag graphic and vibrant shimmer pink branding across all sponsor prints and the club crest.
Rounding out the lineup is the 26-27 third kit, which pays homage to the club's origins as Melbourne Heart. The shirt combines a crisp off-white base with red accents and incorporates a subtle heartbeat graphic emerging across the chest from behind the crest. A heart motif inside the collar completes the tribute. The new collection is available through Melbourne City's online store and Puma Australia.