New Balance, the technical partner of Liverpool, has submitted a legal filing in the UK's High Court to retain its lucrative contract with the Premier League club, reports, www.sportspromedia.com/
According to a report by the Athletic, Nike was set to be announced as the club's new kit partner from the start of next season by the end of September. Liverpool have reportedly agreed a UK70 million (US$87 million) a year deal with the sportswear giant, a UK25 million (US$31 million) a year increase on their current arrangement with New Balance.
New Balance, according to the Athletic, remains adamant that a clause in its current deal means it has the right to match Nike's offer and earn a contract extension with the club beyond May 2020, whilst Liverpool insist otherwise.
A Liverpool spokesman told the Athletic: "We can confirm that our kit supplier, New Balance, has commenced a legal dispute against the club. We will not be making any further comment during these legal proceedings."
New Balance was apparently set to dip out of the race to take on Liverpool's technical contract, having been priced out. However, the Boston-based company is now keen to keep the biggest club in its sponsorship portfolio on board.
According to the Athletic, Liverpool told New Balance its offer cannot match Nike's because of the latter's global distribution network and greater presence in key markets.