Irish football team kit supplier JACC Sports is taking legal advice after the FAI terminated their contract early.
A brief statement from the FAI said the Association had decided to move on from the agreement signed in 2019 which was to run until 2026.
2
2
This would see the Association switch from the Umbro kit, which they have worn since 1994, except for a brief spell wearing New Balance, which was also supplied by JACC Sports.
But JACC Sports then responded, revealing that they rejected the FAI’s view that it could terminate the contract and had sought advice from their lawyers.
It read: “This morning at 9.02am JACC Sports received a letter via email from Roy Barrett, Chairman of the Football Association of Ireland, advising us of their intention to terminate the contract between the Association and JACC Sports.
“At 11:46 a.m. we responded by stating the following to Mr. Roy Barrett: ‘We refer to your letter dated October 24, 2022 referring to a purported termination of the sponsorship agreement between the Association and JACC dated January 8, 2020 (the Sponsorship Agreement) and the Sponsorship Agreement Amendment Agreement dated August 3, 2021 (the Amendment Agreement). We totally reject any purported attempt by the Association to terminate the Agreement, which termination is rejected. »
“We find it very irregular and unjustified in terms of work, that the oldest and most loyal sponsor of the Association, and the sponsor who has contributed more financially than any other sponsor to the Association, should be treated in this way.
“We are taking legal advice and will not comment further at this time.”
The Association’s previous statement read: “The Football Association of Ireland can confirm that it has today terminated its sponsorship agreement with JACC Sports Distributors Limited, in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
“The FAI would like to thank JACC Sports for all the support they have given the Association over the years and wish them the best for the future.
“The Association respects the confidentiality of the parties and will not comment further on this matter.”
JACC Sports provided the Association with all the kit, while they also provided New Era-branded headwear.
The FAI said it could not say whether the terminated contract was for the kit or the headgear.
He also said he was unable to say whether Ireland would be equipped with the current Umbro kit for next month’s friendlies with Norway and Malta, or Euro 2024 qualifiers.
