The battle to be Liverpool’s kit supplier could be going all the way to the High Court.
The Anfield club’s current £45m-a-year deal with New Balance – which began at the start of the 2015/16 season – is up at the end of this campaign.
And Liverpool are reported to have agreed a deal with sportswear giant Nike worth £70m a year, the biggest in the club’s history.
But, according to The Athletic, New Balance are insisting that a clause in the deal means that Liverpool must make them aware of – and potentially match – any rival offers.
The Boston-based manufacturer has now filed a dispute at the High Court.
A statement released by the company said: “New Balance is proud to be the official kit sponsor of Liverpool Football Club. Since 2011, when we entered into a record breaking sponsorship with the club, we have delivered two of the biggest selling home kits for Liverpool fans and we continue to match the ambition and achievements of the club as it grows from strength to strength.
“As a long standing and committed sponsor, we are keen to continue our strong partnership with Liverpool Football Club and renew our agreement in 2020. In line with our current contract, we have matched the offer made by Nike.
“As part of the contract renewal process, LFC has called into question elements of the agreement and as such we are asking the courts for clarity on this case. Both we and the club are keen to resolve any contractual challenges as quickly as possible and have agreed to an expedited process in the courts.
“New Balance is eager and confident to maintain its sponsorship of Liverpool Football Club and we look forward to continuing our record of success as LFC’s playing kit provider.
Liverpool are reportedly adamant however that there was no clause in the contract requiring them to allow New Balance to match Nike’s offer.
A Liverpool spokesperson told The Athletic: “We can confirm that our kit supplier, New Balance, has commenced a legal dispute against the club. We will not be making any further comment during these legal proceedings.”
