Before Chelsea announced that IFS would be their front-of-shirt sponsor, there was plenty of talk about Red Bull and Oracle entering a partnership with the Blues.
In November, The Chelsea Chronicle was even told that Oracle were close to becoming Chelsea’s front-of-shirt sponsor.
That never happened, though, and Chelsea have since turned to IFS instead, sporting their logo in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Burnley.
However, the above does not mean that Red Bull and Oracle are now out of the picture for good.
Leeds United kit
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Chelsea and Red Bull deal could still happen if club qualify for the Champions League
Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed on Si Phillips Talks Chelsea that the club’s talks with Red Bull and Oracle were so advanced that Red Bull had even changed some of their clothing lines to royal blue ahead of a deal being announced.
Considering that, Phillips still thinks Red Bull and Oracle could end up becoming Chelsea’s front-of-shirt sponsor.
However, after speaking to sources, the journalist says it could hinge on whether the Blues qualify for the Champions League or not.
QUESTION: If you could ignore the money and pick any brand to be on the front of the Chelsea shirt tomorrow, who are you choosing?💰
Various airlines, Red Bull and Paramount have been floated…
Chelsea FC v AFC Ajax - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
They currently sit in fourth in the Premier League table, but that will change if Manchester United can pick up at least a point against Everton on Monday night.
Chelsea’s Premier League rivals Leeds United are currently being sponsored by Red Bull, who own football clubs in Germany, Austria and America.
Chelsea's new shirt sponsor 'IFS.ai' is seen on a shirt inside the dressing room
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
What happens to IFS after this season?
Similar to their deals with DAMAC and Infinite Athlete, IFS’ shirt agreement is only a short-term one. Their logo will only be on Chelsea’s jersey until the end of the campaign.
However, IFS’ overall partnership with Chelsea has been confirmed to be a multi-year one, so the AI company will still be collaborating with the football club after this season.
It means Chelsea will once again be on the lookout for a front-of-shirt sponsor in the summer, with Red Bull and Oracle still seemingly in the picture.
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