Chelsea and Adidas agree to end partnership six years early
Chelsea will pay shirt manufacturer Adidas compensation after agreeing to end their partnership six years early.
The Blues, whose kits have been supplied by the German sportswear brand since 2006, are free to look for a new partner from 2017 onwards when their £30m-a-year deal with Adidas finishes.
The German sportswear brand has boosted its full-year profit in anticipation of the undisclosed compensation fee it will receive from the Premier League club, with whom it had agreed a 10-year deal lasting in 2023 just three years ago.
Chelsea's income from Adidas is dwarfed by the £75m-a-year it pays Manchester United, although it was still one of the most lucrative kit supplier deals in world football.
Adidas are re-focusing their sponsorship strategy to focus on a handful of the biggest teams with unified marketing.
In a statement it said the deal would allow it to "continue to implement its sport sponsorship strategy as set out in its strategic business plan…under this plan, Adidas will partner with fewer assets on a team level."
Chelsea commented: "Having begun our relationship in 2006, we would like to thank Adidas for their fantastic support and cooperation over the past 10 years.
"In that time the club has lifted the Uefa Champions League, Uefa Europa League, two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups, and we look forward to a successful final year of partnership."