One of Europe's longest kit supplier deals in international football is expected to come to an end this summer.
After 23 years of Republic of Ireland Umbro kits, the FAI have reportedly signed a deal, that will see New Balance become the new kit suppliers later this summer.
Umbro became the FAI's kit suppliers after the World Cup in 1994. Up until that point, Ireland wore Adidas kits through the team's golden era at Euro 88 and the 1990 and 1994 World Cups.
The deal, as reported by The Irish Mail on Sunday, will see the FAI maintain their deal with Toplion Sportswear. The Dublin-based company hold the Irish licences for the Umbro and New Balance brands.
New Balance have only entered the footballing market in recent years. They sponsor the likes of Liverpool, Porto, Celtic, Sevilla and Shamrock Rovers. They also supply kits to Costa Rica and Panama in international football.
Costa Rica's jersey. Photo by: New Balance
It will be the second time in just over a year that the FAI will change Ireland's kits. Just before Euro 2016, the home and away kits were changed before the tournament began.
The World Cup qualifier against Austria in June will be the last time, Martin O'Neill's side wear an Umbro kit, before the team change brands ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifiers this Autumn.
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