Chelsea confirm £24m shirt deal

Chairman Ken Bates shakes on the Emirates deal

Chelsea have secured a sponsorship deal with Emirates Airlines worth £24m over four years.

The deal is the second biggest in English football, behind Manchester United's £30m sponsorship by Vodafone.

Emirates will replace Autoglass as Chelsea's sponsor at the end of the season and its name will then appear on the the club's shirts.

The Dubai-based airline will also pay Chelsea additional bonuses according to their success on the pitch.

Blues' chairman Ken Bates was understandably delighted and said: "It is an agreement that will have immense benefits for both parties. We are delighted.

'International team'

"The deal illustrates how Chelsea are among the clubs with whom prospective sponsors want to be associated.

It is not just about sponsorship, there is a lot more to it than that

  Ken Bates
Chelsea chairman

"It is worth more than the sponsorship agreements of both Arsenal and Leeds.

"We are an international team and an international club so we wanted a more high profile international commercial partner.

"They will help promote Chelsea to a much wider audience."

Bates promised that the money would be invested 'wisely' in a variety of projects including a new training ground and youth academy.

Managing director Colin Hutchinson added: "The deal is very good for the club because it's all about resources in this day and age.

Scholarship scheme

"Another £24m is very nice and will hopefully help us to continue to compete at the highest level for star players as well as bringing through youngsters."

The deal also includes a scholarship scheme under which Chelsea staff will coach youngsters from Dubai.

Bates added: "It is not just about shirt sponsorship, there is a lot more to it than that."

The sponsorship package is significantly higher than Chelsea's previous tie-up with Autoglass, worth £1.2m a year.

Earlier this week, Chelsea were also able to announce a new 10-year deal with kit manufacturers Umbro that will be worth up to £40m.

Emirates currently has a link with Chelsea involving signage, hospitality and marketing.