Premier League and FA Cup winners Chelsea have announced an extension to their global partnership with adidas, that will see the sports brand continue to be an official sponsor and sportswear supplier for the club over the next eight years up to the 2017/18.
The relationship was launched in 2006 when both parties created the world's largest team photo as 8,000 Chelsea fans lined up alongside the first team squad. Chelsea and adidas have since undertaken a number of successful grassroots projects. This has included partnering with America's top youth football clubs to help develop US soccer, and the launch of 'Blue Pitches' aimed at encouraging young kids to participate in sport across London with plans to roll them out internationally after the launch of a Blue Pitch in Hong Kong last year.
Ron Gourlay, Chelsea Football Club's Chief Executive, said: "We are delighted to extend our partnership until 2018 after a highly successful first four years. Both organisations are highly ambitious and want to continue in partnership to develop globally and for us, grow in our key market territories across Asia and North America. The increased value of the deal reaffirms adidas' belief in the club's growing status in world football."
Herbert Hainer, Chief Executive Officer of adidas AG, added: "Both adidas and Chelsea have a long and proud heritage in football and we're delighted to continue our working relationship with one of Europe's elite football clubs. We look forward to many more years of success, working closely with the club on product, marketing and grass roots initiatives in the UK and around the globe."
What's the opinion of YOU the fans? Are you happy with the Chelsea football kits adidas have created to date, and are you happy they will be designing the Chelsea football shirt for the next seven seasons...