Liverpool Sued By Own Kit Supplier Over Deal With Nike

Kit supplier, New Balance, has dragged Liverpool to court over a prospective deal with Nike which will see its sponsorship deal with the Premier League club terminated.

In 2011, New Balance entered into a record-breaking sponsorship deal of £45-per-season with Liverpool, which runs until the end of next season when a renewal is expected to be offered to it.

But, as it is now that their expectations of getting contract renewal are not in-view any longer, the Champions League defenders have announced they are in a legal face-off with their supplier, according to Sky Sports.

"We can confirm that our kit supplier, New Balance, has commenced a legal dispute against the club." the club's spokesperson said. "We will not be making any further comment during these legal proceedings."

It is also understood that the club is set for yet another record-breaking sponsorship deal the American sportswear manufacturer and that is speculated to be to the tune of £70m-per-season.

According to another source, The Athletic, it has been confirmed that New Balance is committed to holding on to their deal with Liverpool and will challenge any decision to switch ground to another supplier since it has complied to any terms and conditions in the deal signed with the club.

"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," New Balance said in a statement.

"In line with our current contract, we 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 court."

It is understood that New Balance has filed in legal documents against Liverpool at the High Court in their pursuit to stop it from entering into any deal with Nike.