Blocked By the Premier League: Why Chelsea Will Sign With Stake
Jun 19, 2023, by Chris
Update: More and more details about Chelsea's search for a main sponsor are being released. According to @MikeKeegan_DM, a journalist for the Daily Mail, the Premier League did not grant Chelsea permission to sign a sponsorship deal with Paramount+ as they say it would breach the rules of the official broadcast partners.
Talks with Paramount+ are thought to have been at an advanced stage. The streaming service recently signed a short-term sponsorship with Inter Milan which saw their logo on the front of the Italian's kits for one Serie A match and the UEFA Champions League Final, against Manchester City.
However, under the Deed of License, a contract between clubs and the Premier League regarding broadcasting/media guidelines, the governing body of the league vetoed the sponsorship, protecting outlets such as Sky Sports and BT Sport, which already have licenses to play Premier League games.
They also confirmed the already-discussed negotiations to strike a deal with Stake.com is going ahead but on a relatively short-term basis.
Update: In a shocking twist, Chelsea are in talks with Stake after an undisclosed crypto deal fell through on a proposed £44m/year contract, according to @croninbenjamin, as well as other sources.
Everton's current sponsor reportedly offer £40m/year in contrast to Allianz, which offered only £20m/year.
The club were expecting an asking price of £50m a year, a 25% increase on the £40m with current telecommunications company Three. However, a poor season and the lack of qualification for the Champions League effectively thwarted the club's plans. Newcastle joining the Big 6 clubs has added additional pressure on Chelsea's search for a lucrative sponsor.
It would be a highly contentious partnership, given the recent, self-imposed betting ban by clubs, but not against it, as the legislation only starts after the 2025-26 season.
Original: German insurance company Allianz are among the firms in discussions with Chelsea Football Club to replace Three as its principal shirt sponsor, according to sources close to the situation. This is reported by Sky News.
Allianz in Talks to Replace Three as Chelsea Shirt Sponsor
Allianz's blue color is greatly fitting with Chelsea.
The club's existing deal with Three is worth £40m annually. Todd Boehly, Chelsea's new controlling shareholder, had expressed confidence in securing a more lucrative deal than the three-year £120m agreement struck with Three in 2020. However, the club's poor performance in the Premier League this season could undermine its commercial ambitions. The absence of European football from Stamford Bridge next season may also impact the price of a new sponsorship deal.
Other clubs, including Manchester United and Newcastle United, are also looking for new shirt sponsors as the Premier League reduces commercial deals with gambling companies.
Three temporarily ended its association with Chelsea last year after the government sanctioned the club's then-owner, Roman Abramovich.
Chelsea 2023-24 Kit Predictions With New Main Sponsor
Based on the rumors, we have updated our Nike Chelsea 2023-24 kit renders with the Allianz logo. While the third is a full leak, both the home and away kits are predictions only.
The sponsor logo on the blue and gold Nike Chelsea 23-24 home jersey can either be white or gold in color.
Check out all classic an the leaked 23-24 Chelsea kits on Football Kit Archive
Perfect match? Would you like Allianz to become Chelsea's new main sponsor? Let us know in the comments below, and see the 23-24 Kit Overview for more 2023-2024 football kit info.
6 Official Pictures: Manchester United 26-27 Away Kit Leaked - Shirt + Shorts
We have six official images of the new Adidas Manchester United 26-27 away kit, showing the replica men's version and the kids' shorts.
The shirt features a blue and red color scheme inspired by the club's classic 1988 away kit and the nearby River Irwell. The official launch of the Manchester United 26-27 away kit is expected to take place on July 22.
Al Hilal 26-27 Home Kit Leaked - 2 New Images
Two new images of the Al Hilal 26-27 home kit have been leaked, shared by kit account @MidanAlAtqam and originally posted by @hilalstuff, following up on initial leaks from earlier this year.
Ajax 26-27 Away Kit + Lifestyle Jersey Leaked
The Adidas Ajax 26-27 lifestyle away jersey has been spotted for sale. It is set to be released together with the 26-27 away kit.
Barcelona 26-27 Away Kit Leaked - 7 New Images
We have been sent seven new images of the Nike Barcelona 26-27 away kit. The official presentation will take place on Friday, July 24, at all Barça Stores, with a worldwide sales launch scheduled for July 31 across all retail outlets.
Unai Simón Forced to Modify Gloves at 2026 World Cup
During Spain vs Belgium, the Spanish goalkeeper played in a modified pair of Reusch gloves, with the brand's signature "R" logo completely removed. This adjustment was made to meet strict FIFA rules. Big thanks to @jerseystory_vn for spotting this interesting detail.
According to section 18.4.1 of the FIFA Equipment Regulations, a manufacturer's logo on goalkeeper gloves must not exceed 20cm² and can only appear once. Because the full "Reusch" text logo was already printed on the index finger, the additional "R" logo on the back had to be removed.
However, likely due to a referee oversight, Simón still managed to play with his original, unmodified gloves - featuring both logos, during Spain's final group stage match against Uruguay.
Alongside Unai Simón, several other high-profile goalkeepers, including Álisson Becker and Gregor Kobel, are also wearing similar Reusch gloves at the 2026 World Cup.