Amid much speculation and rumours over the last number of months, the Football Association of Ireland have announced a new kit and jersey supplier this morning. Following last week's much-anticipated release of the new crest - a mix of a new modern approach and a throwback to the retro circle - all eyes were on who would supply the news kit.
After initial rumours dating back to last November, Castore have today been announced as the official kit supplier to the FAI. This will be the British manufacturer's first international jersey. While they may have no experience in the international arena, the brand still supplies kits to some of the biggest names in sports. The new brand on the scene supplies Rangers kit in the SPL as well as Saracens rugby, Newcastle United, McLaren F1 and Sevilla.
In the wale of Irish fans calling for a return to a more retro crest and jersey, the FAI announced the deal on Twitter this morning describing it as a multi-year kit partnership deal saying it would "celebrate the history of the iconic jersey whilst ensuring it has a modern approach". According to the Irish Examiner, the partnership will include investments into both the FAI's e-commerce systems as well as making the kit more available in retailers nationally and globally. The agreement will see Castore supply to and invest in the FAI for at least five years. until 2028.
The Football Association of Ireland are pleased to announce a new multi-year kit partnership with Castore.
The new kit will celebrate the history of the iconic jersey whilst ensuring that it has a modern approach.
Home kit will be available for pre-order from March 20th pic.twitter.com/8NoBlU7d7D— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 13, 2023
If that wasn't enough news for one day, the complete overhaul and rebranding of the FAI look set to continue into next week as the association announced Castore's and Ireland's first jersey would be released and available for pre-order next Monday the 20th of March. A new kit supplier coupled with a new jersey and a brand new crest design will be the biggest overhaul in the look of Irish football in years and undoubtedly after the divided reaction to the new crest, there's a lot of anticipation for the new shirt.
Getting slightly caught up in the excitement here at Balls, we gave guessing just what an Irish Castore jersey might look like last year.
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