Ireland End New Balance/Umbro Kit Deal
The Football Association of Ireland today announced that they will have a new kit manufacturer from 2023. They have ended their kit sponsorship with Dublin-based sportswear firm JACC, the distributor of Umbro and New Balance in Ireland.
Ireland had worn Umbro since 1994, with a small interruption of New Balance
Ireland had a deal with JACC since 1994. Through the deal with JACC, Ireland wore Umbro kits from 1994 to 2017, then New Balance from 2017 until 2019, before a return to the Umbro kit in 2020.
Ireland to Announce New Kit Supplier
The original deal from Ireland with JACC would have been valid until 2026, meaning that the contract was ended four years ahead of schedule. No reasons why the deal was canceled prematurely have been announced.
However, there has been controversy about the contract. In 2019, it emerged that the FAI have signed a clothing deal with Sports Direct. The FAI received an advance on that deal, which then led to the FAI paying back Sports Direct €100,000 a month on a schedule of payments into 2025.
"The Football Association of Ireland can confirm that it has today terminated its sponsorship agreement with JACC Sports Distributors Limited, in accordance with the terms of the agreement," the FAI said.
"The FAI would like to thank JACC Sports for all its support to the Association over the years and wishes it all the best in the future. The Association respects the confidentiality of the parties and will not be making any further comment on this matter."
Castore, Adidas, and Nike are apparently the favorites
There is no info on which brand will become Ireland's new kit maker. We think that Castore appears most likely, while other options are certainly Adidas, Hummel, and, possibly, Nike.
Which brand would you like to make Ireland's kits from 2023? Comment below.
Cristiano Ronaldo Wears Special FIFA Legacy Patch at 2026 World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo debuted a special FIFA Legacy sleeve patch on his Portugal kit during the 2026 World Cup, marking his historic sixth tournament appearance from 2006 to 2026.
Cristiano's Legacy badge features his signature pose.
The Legacy patch is an exclusive FIFA honor introduced to recognize players who have been selected for five or more World Cup squads. Ronaldo becomes the fourth player to wear the badge at the 2026 tournament, joining an elite group that includes Lionel Messi and Luka Modric, who are also sporting the Legacy patch alongside their respective individual award badges.
Adidas Teases Predator 1994 to 2026 World Cup Connection
Adidas has officially teased a connection between the original 1994 Predator boot and the upcoming 2026 World Cup. In a recent social media update, the brand highlighted the legacy of the iconic Predator silo, which was initially launched for the 1994 tournament hosted in the USA.
With the 2026 World Cup set to be co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, Adidas is celebrating this 32-year journey as a full-circle moment for the boot. The brand noted that the Predator was made for the 1994 World Cup, and the tournament made the boot a legend. By stating that the road to glory continues, Adidas strongly suggests the upcoming release of special edition boots or a dedicated 2026 World Cup Predator model that pays homage to the 1994 original.
The teaser was accompanied by images showcasing the evolution of the Predator boot from its debut to its modern iteration. This announcement builds on recent Predator re-releases and limited editions, generating anticipation for what Adidas has planned for the 2026 tournament.
FC Barcelona 26-27 Home Kit Spotted on Sale Early
The new FC Barcelona 2026-27 home kit has been spotted on sale early at a Nike Store in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, well ahead of its official launch. Shared by kit expert @memorabilia1899/@mohmash_, the retail images showcase the physical version of the shirt, which features unique multi-shade red and blue stripes designed as a tribute to the renovated Camp Nou.
