20 Feb 2026 19:12:34
I'm probably not understanding the email I just received from CFC correctly but to me it seems like we now have a FOS sponsor.

IFS are our FOS on all our shirts.

I assume details will follow and I have no idea if this a remainder of the season deal or along term deal.

1.) 20 Feb 2026
20 Feb 2026 19:44:48
Ok, I think this is a remainder-of-season deal, but there is mention in the email of a long-term "collaboration" between the company and CFC.

2.) 20 Feb 2026
20 Feb 2026 20:14:20
All very interesting - how much?

3.) 20 Feb 2026
20 Feb 2026 20:22:16
Better late than never. Hopefully, we can get something long term in the summer. Need to make top 5 (or win the UCL again).

4.) 20 Feb 2026
20 Feb 2026 21:06:46
Haven't got a clue about terms, as it understandably wasn't mentioned in the club's email. The fact that "continued relationship" was mentioned makes me feel as if all sides are awaiting some sort of development, but that's me making 2+2=5.

5.) 20 Feb 2026
20 Feb 2026 21:56:14
I believe it's a FOS for the remainder of the season, then a collaboration on other things. We have been here before.

6.) 20 Feb 2026
20 Feb 2026 22:07:11
Bill, I can't see the term "other" in my email. It does mention "long-term collaboration", and of course that could mean "other things". It also mentioned "partnership", and I like the idea of an AI company being a long-term partner.

7.) 20 Feb 2026
20 Feb 2026 23:11:48
I will wait and see what the terms of this deal are. Never heard of this company, but no doubt someone on here will claim that they do. As for it being an AI company, I am indifferent, but, morally and ethically, I am not sure why they should be treated differently than gambling companies with regard to sponsorship.

8.) 21 Feb 2026
21 Feb 2026 05:53:52
Never heard of them before this announcement, but I'm told they are involved in other sports sponsorship. I am not sure why a technology/AI company would be compared to a gaming company. I suppose their technology could be used for gaming product delivery, but then I also guess that applies to mobile phone networks as well.

I guess someone will look up their corporate history at some stage.

9.) 21 Feb 2026
21 Feb 2026 09:24:58
AI is the future going forward, so maybe a good thing, but for people's employment, I'm not so sure.

10.) 21 Feb 2026
21 Feb 2026 09:35:41
Bill, I am certainly not an expert on AI, but from what I have been told by my consultant, AI certainly helped in the testing and delivery of my medication. I'm also a hypocrite when it comes to a lot of things. I know most things that are addictive are bad for you, but I still have a flutter, drink too much JD and eat far too many chocolate digestives.

I'm also not a general fan of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, but I rely on both to have a comfortable life.

11.) 21 Feb 2026
21 Feb 2026 10:05:45
I understand that the deal is until the end of the season. I read somewhere that the club wants £65 million per annum. Sounds a bit ambitious, given that it would match Real Madrid's deal.

As for AI, it undoubtedly has benefits, but it is already used for inappropriate and unlawful purposes. That said, there is no going back, but its use needs to be carefully monitored.

12.) 21 Feb 2026
21 Feb 2026 10:09:21
Chelsea Football Club today announces a multi-year global partnership with IFS, the world's leading provider of Industrial AI. As part of this commitment, IFS will be elevated to Principal Partner with immediate effect, featuring on our front of shirt for the remainder of the 2025/26 season - marking the beginning of a long-term collaboration that places advanced AI at the heart of football performance, operational excellence and fan engagement.

I think the above statement from the club tells us that they are here to stay as our major sponsor, a bit like Emirates at Arsenal, who sponsor the stadium, shirt and probably quite a bit more.

13.) 21 Feb 2026
21 Feb 2026 10:20:00
RBD, I guess time will tell, but the "IFS Stadium" hasn't got a ring to it.