Umbro Distributor Seeking Legal Advice over Ireland Contract Termination
JACC Sports, the distributors of Umbro in Ireland, are seeking legal advice after the Football Association of Ireland terminated their contract with them which had four years left to run.
JACC Sports to Take Legal Action Against FAI
The FAI announced yesterday that they are ending their long-running partnership with JACC Sports, the distributors of Umbro, New Balance and several other brands in Ireland. The announcement was abrupt and unexpected, as they partnership had been in place for 28 years and was due to continue until 2026. The full statement is below.
The Irish Times report that JACC owner, Jonathan Courtenay, responded to an FAI email on Monday morning by telling them that the company reject “any purported effort by the association to terminate the agreement”. The following statement was also made public.
“We find it highly irregular and unwarranted in terms of any working, that the association’s longest standing, most loyal sponsor, and the sponsor which has contributed more financially than any other sponsor to the association would be treated this way. We are taking legal advice and will not be making any further comment at this time.” - JACC Sports.
Ireland manager Stephen Kenny with Jonathan Courtenay, head of JACC Sports.
The FAI was plagued by mismanagement, financial scandals and horrendous decision-making during the 15 year reign of chief executive John Delaney from 2004 to 2019, with Delaney and the FAI currently under investigation for a host of irregular financial activity. The FAI will presumably have carefully checked that they were within their rights to cancel the JACC contract, as they could do without further woes and damage to their reputation.
Former FAI chief exec John Delaney pictured with former Ireland manager, Mick McCarthy.
The reaction of JACC suggests that they believe they were wronged by the FAI, and after a successful 28 year partnership without any problems, from the outside it does look like something of an unfair move by the FAI. It will be very interesting to see what JACC's legal representatives advise them to do. We will update this story as it develops.
Do you think the FAI were wrong to cancel the deal without any explanation? Comment below.
Tottenham 26-27 Third Kit + Pre-Match Leaked
We have the first images of the Spurs 26-27 pre-match jersey, matching the colors of the home kit. On the lower left is a special label to celebrate the 1996 Premier era.
Mansfield Town 26-27 Away Kit Released
League One side Mansfield Town have officially unveiled their new Erreà away kit for the 26-27 season. The launch follows the release of their home strip earlier this summer and includes the introduction of a corresponding away goalkeeper kit. Fans can purchase the new 2026-27 away and goalkeeper shirts both in-store at the One Call Stadium and online starting at 10 AM on Saturday, July 4.
Fenerbahce 26-27 Goalkeeper Kits Leaked
The new Puma Fenerbahce 2026-27 goalkeeper kits have been leaked online by kit experts @Formaholic and @LefterCubuklusu ahead of their expected official launch in July 2026. The new collection is based on the standard templates, with the club notably opting out of a blue goalkeeper shirt for the upcoming campaign. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that a long-sleeve version of the away goalkeeper kit will be made available for fans to purchase.
Birmingham Legion 26-27 'Forged for Battle' Away Kit Released
USL Championship side Birmingham Legion FC has unveiled its new 'Forged for Battle' away kit for the 2026-27 season. Made by Hummel, the new away shirt pays tribute to the USS Alabama battleship, honoring a historic symbol of the club's home state and its rich heritage. The kit makes its on-pitch debut on July 2 at Protective Stadium.
The Hummel Birmingham Legion 2026-27 away shirt features a distinctive naval theme, highlighted by a subtle semaphore call sign pattern integrated into the fabric. A traditional naval uniform-style collar completes the maritime aesthetic, while gold trim on the sleeves and collar references the ship's anchor wheels. An outline of the USS Alabama is also placed on the hip as a final tribute to the legendary battleship.
What do you think of Birmingham Legion FC's new 2026-27 'Forged for Battle' kit? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Adidas Highlights 2026 World Cup Moments
Adidas has shared a collection of images highlighting key moments from the ongoing 2026 World Cup. Posted across a thread with the caption "memories made. more to come," the pictures showcase various players and their footwear during the tournament.
The photos emphasize Adidas' presence at the 2026 World Cup, featuring action shots and close-ups of players wearing the brand's latest boots. As the tournament progresses, Adidas continues to celebrate its sponsored athletes and their performances on the biggest stage in international football.
Oita Trinita 26-27 Home & Away Kits Released
Japanese J2 League club Oita Trinita has officially revealed its new 2026-27 home and away kits. Produced by Puma, the new shirts were launched under the slogan "Wearing Oita's pride, fighting," tying deeply into the local identity of the club.
The Oita Trinita 2026-2027 home kit features the club's traditional blue and yellow color scheme with a unique cross design. The away kit offers a contrasting alternative, while using the same design.
The new Puma Oita Trinita 2026-27 home and away jerseys are available for primary pre-sale from July 4 to July 7. Fans who order during this window are expected to receive their kits in time for the opening match of the season.
