have launched their new kit for the upcoming season but with one notable omission.
The Blues’ new kit is based on the design the team wore during the 1997/98 campaign when the west club won an historic domestic and European cup double.
A chaotic campaign, which saw Gianluca Vialli replace Ruud Gullit as player manager, ultimately culminated in Chelsea winning the League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup with a team that boasted the talents of Gianfranco Zola, Dennis Wise and Frank Lebouef.
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Chelsea’s previous sponsorship agreement telecommunication company Three, worth £40 million a year, ended in the summer and the club have been on the lookout for a new partner.
Alerting fans to the situation, Chelsea said in a statement: ‘Fans can purchase this season’s new but classic look on early access from 16 August via the Megastore at Stamford Bridge, our Official Online Store and nike.com.
‘The kit will be available via the wider marketplace from 23 August. Fans should be aware that the 2023/24 home kit that features on pitch may subsequently feature a front-of-shirt partner. The club will communicate any changes to the kit in due course.’
Chelsea had been close to sealing lucrative agreements with Paramount+ and betting company Stake, but negotiations broke down.
A deal with Paramount was rejected by the Premier League given it would have upset domestic and foreign rights holders.
The international streaming service does not broadcast Premier League matches in the UK, and would not be permitted under the Deed of License, which is the contract between clubs and Premier League.
The prospect of Stake adorning Chelsea’s shirts was heavily oppose by supporters, while betting companies will not allowed to be front-of-shirt sponsors on kits from the 2025-26 season onwards.
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