Turkish Airlines confirm sponsorship deal with Chelsea

Turkish Airlines have confirmed that they will become the new sponsor of Chelsea after agreeing a multi-million pound deal.
Speaking via their Twitter account, the company, which is the fourth largest airliner in Europe, posted confirmation that a deal had been reached between them and the Premier League outfit.

The statement read: "Did you know that we’re the next proud shirt sponsor of Chelsea?"

The deal

The Daily Mail first reported that a deal between the two clubs was close and would replace Chelsea's current £18 million-a-year deal with technology giants Samsung.Although no figures have yet to be announced, it is very likely that the deal will be worth in excess of their deal with Samsung and closer to the £30 million Arsenal agreed with Fly Emirates in 2012.

Turkish airlines

The airliner came to prominence in the world of sport sponsorship after agreeing a memorable deal wit Lionel Messi and Kobe Bryant. The football and NBA superstars came together in a famous advert.

Turkish Airlines have further enhanced their position in football by agreeing deals with Barcelona, Manchester United and the Turkish national team.

Manchester United cancelled their deal with Turkish Airlines last year and replaced them with Russia's Aeroflot.

Chelsea deal

For Chelsea, the new deal comes with good timing. Financial Fair Play regulations are restricting Jose Mourinho with both wages and transfers but the new deal is likely to add more funds to the pot.

Samsung have been the official shirt sponsor of Chelsea since 2005 and will see out their contract, which expires at the end of the season.

NOTE: The tweet, originally posted by Turkish Airlines corporate club, has since been deleted.