Chelsea launch new home kit without sponsor but fans face wait to get hands on it

Chelsea have launched their new home kit for the 2023/24 season.

However, the Blues confirmed fans won't be able to get their hands on one for quite some time despite Monday's announcement.

This season the west London outfit are opting for 90s inspired kit, designed to pay tribute to their 1997/98 campaign.

«That was a season of European triumph for Chelsea as the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup was captured with the likes of Gianfranco Zola, Dennis Wise, Roberto Di Matteo and many other club legends in the side,» Chelsea's statement on the kit launch read.

«The League Cup was won as well and at the start of the following season, so was the UEFA Super Cup, all those finals under the management of the great Gianluca Vialli and all played wearing the same iconic shirts.»

Chelsea's new shirt is classic Chelsea royal blue, with gold detail and an 90s-style iridescent crest.

But whilst fans were initially excited about the new strip that they hope their side will endure an improved season in following their 12th place finish last campaign, the club then revealed the catch.

After tweeting out the news of the kit, Chelsea followed up with another tweet, reading: «Blues fans can purchase the new kit from 16th August online or via the Megastore at Stamford Bridge.»

The Blues currently still don't have a shirt sponsor following the end of their deal with Three.

Supports then wondered if Nintendo would take the front-of-shirt space after the club were reportedly told Paramount+ weren't allowed to taken that spot.

But now, fans are speculating whether the club's decision to hold off selling the shirts until three days after their opening Premier League game against Liverpool is a result of this ongoing sponsorship saga.

«Embarrassing,» one fan said.