Chelsea unveils new 2023/24 home kit following sponsorship decision

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

After teasing fans for several days through their social media channels, Chelsea has finally made the official announcement. The new home kit pays homage to the successful 1997/98 team that secured the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and League Cup titles, along with a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League. The official club announcement reads, «While changes take place at the club, the pride stays the same.

Interior shirt detail nods to exactly this — Chelsea FC remains the 'Pride of London'.» The new kit features a golden club badge and Nike logo on the standard blue chest plate. Notably, the front of the shirt remains sponsorless due to ongoing difficulties in securing a suitable partnership. In terms of design, Chelsea has opted for a minimalist approach, foregoing the flashy background patterns and textures seen in previous years.

The kit includes white underarms and a white sleeve outline, reminiscent of the popular 1998 shirt. Additionally, a white strip is present inside the collar, adding to the nostalgic elements. However, the most significant aspect is the absence of a primary sponsor.

Chelsea's three-year partnership with mobile phone giants, Three, ended on June 30, and the club has not yet confirmed a new sponsor. Although official agreements with Oman Air and Hilton as airway and hotel partners respectively are in place, a main sponsor has yet to be secured. Recent reports suggested that gambling and casino company, Stake, was in talks to become the primary sponsor.

In response, the Chelsea Supporters' Trust issued a strong statement expressing concerns about such a deal. As a result, Chelsea has taken an unconventional approach by releasing the kit without a sponsor. The club emphasized that the 2023/24 home