Key facts
- Industrial AI firm IFS has reaffirmed its global partnership with Chelsea.
- IFS will no longer be Chelsea's front-of-shirt sponsor.
- The expanded partnership involves embedding IFS technology into Chelsea's football operations.
- IFS technology will be used for real-time visibility and guided buying processes.
- Chelsea is seeking a new front-of-shirt sponsor, with a reported asking price of £40 million per season.
Industrial AI firm IFS has reaffirmed its commitment to its global partnership with Chelsea, but will not continue as the Premier League club’s front-of-shirt sponsor. IFS appeared on the front of Chelsea’s shirts for the latter part of last season, having signed a three-year contract in February.
The expanded partnership will see IFS technology and industrial AI embedded across Chelsea’s operations as part of a long-term programme. IFS technology will be utilized for "real-time visibility across legal entities, currencies and reporting lines", and "guided, end-to-end buying process from request through approval and supplier collaboration". Chelsea's chief finance officer Adriel Lares stated that the club is excited to enter the next phase of their partnership with IFS to realize the opportunities AI software presents.
Chelsea is reportedly seeking a new front-of-shirt sponsor and is asking for £40 million per season. The club has had several short-term front-of-shirt partners since the end of their deal with telecommunications giant Three, including Infinite Athlete, Damac Properties, and IFS.