CHELSEA have finally revealed their new shirt for the 2023/24 season – but they have no front sponsor.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side wore the shirt for the first time in their pre-season friendly win over Wrexham before facing Dortmund without any branding either.
APChelsea played their pre-season clashes with no kit sponsor during their tour of the United States[/caption]
The Blues were closing in on an incredible deal with Paramount+ – who represented Inter Milan in the 2023 Champions League final.
But a spanner has been thrown in the works and has left Chelsea scrambling for a sponsor.
Why do Chelsea have no sponsor on their 2023/24 shirt?
The Premier League blocked Chelsea’s deal with Paramount+ as they feared a link-up with the streaming service could upset rights holders.
Bosses confirmed it would not be permitted under the Deed of License – a contractual agreement between the league and its clubs.
And it has now become a slight problem for Chelsea, having rejected an offer from gambling company Stake following criticism from fans and campaigners.
Allianz were also considered to be a sponsor for the Blues, but no concrete talks have been done between the West London club and the German financial services.
Chelsea had been sponsored by Three since 2020, but did not renew the deal for the 2023/24 season.
The Blues have been close to agreeing a £40million-a-year deal with Infinite Athlete, but this has not been finalised in time for their first game of the Premier League season against Liverpool.
When can fans order the new kit?
Fans can order their new Chelsea 2023/24 shirt from August 16, 2023.
This is AFTER the Stamford Bridge club’s season opener.
The kit has a retro 90s feel to it, with the club posting on Instagram: “That 90’s look never goes out of style.”
They added: “Pay tribute to the Pride of London’s ’97-’98 season with the blue, white and gold Chelsea FC Home 2023/24 shirt. Available to purchase from August.”
In the 1997/98 campaign , Chelsea won the double of League Cup and Uefa Cup Winners Cup after striker Gianluca Vialli, then 33, took over the role of player-manager from Ruud Gullit.
Chelsea begin their 2023/24 season with a tough home fixture against Liverpool before taking on West Ham in their first London derby.
They will then take on Premier League debutants, Luton.
Here are Chelsea’s first ten Premier League fixtures for the new campaign.
Chelsea vs Liverpool – August 13West Ham vs Chelsea – August 19Chelsea vs Luton – August 26Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest – September 12Bournemouth vs Chelsea – September 16Chelsea vs Aston Villa – September 23Fulham vs Chelsea – September 30Burnley vs Chelsea – October 7Chelsea vs Arsenal – October 21Chelsea vs Brentford – October 28