After we first brought you news of a prospective deal in December last year, adidas have today confirmed a new long-term technical supplier deal with Northern Ireland.
Set to come into effect in August later this year, the new partnership between the legendary three stripes of adidas and the Irish Football Association to reported to be set to run for four years, and is worth a reported £500,000.
The partnership will give adidas the rights to supply kit to all of the international teams, referees in the top 3 leagues in Northern Ireland as well as supplying balls for all Irish League matches and kits for the Association’s coaching department.
Irish FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson notes that fans will likely be happy, given adidas’ previous stint as supplier during a ‘Golden Age’ of Irish football in the 70’s and 80’s:
“adidas was synonymous with the Association during our most successful period ever and I’m sure our supporters will be absolutely delighted with the news that we are to be reunited with them. This is the 30th anniversary of our game against Spain in the 1982 World Cup and playing in that iconic adidas shirt.”
adidas has begun a renewed interest in the ‘Home Nations’ since partnering with the Scottish FA two years ago, and the capture of Northern Ireland from Nike-owned Umbro will likely be seen as a boon for the German brand, who are already set for a bumper year in Great Britain thanks to their stance as supplier to the Team GB Olympic football team.
The new adidas Northern Ireland kits and training wear will be available from August 2012 and will likely feature adidas’ signature apparel technologies such as ClimaCool fabric and Formotion ergonomic fitting.
