FAI: New Balance (USA) replaces Umbro as the kit supplier of the Irish Football Association

The American sports equipment brand New Balance will replace Umbro, a American brand of British origin, as the official kit supplier of the Irish national football team, announced the Football Association of Ireland on 26/05/2017. This partnership, which will be in the first level of FAI's sponsorship hierarchy, will take effect from 01/08/2017.

As part of this partnership, New Balance will provide the match kit, training wear, and lifestyle outfits. The American sports equipment manufacturer will have their logo appear on interview panels at home games of the Irish national teams and on the assocaition's communication platforms.

Umbro has been the official kit supplier of the FAI since 1994. The last contract signed between the two parties spanned 10 years (2010-2020), for a total amount estimated at €26m ($27.7m at 03/04/2017) by British specialised media. This change may be a result of a strategic decision by Toplion Sportswear, which is the distributor in Ireland for Umbro and New Balance, according to the daily newspaper the Irish Sun.

"Ireland boast some of the most passionate…