IFS, through its AI platform IFS.ai, has officially become the new front-of-shirt sponsor of Chelsea, starting Saturday, 21st February 2026.
The branding will make its debut when Chelsea face Burnley at 3pm British time. The announcement finally ends a prolonged period during which the London club operated without a permanent front-of-shirt sponsor.
IFS.ai is a leading provider of Industrial AI software, helping businesses enhance productivity, efficiency and sustainability across sectors including aerospace, energy and manufacturing. Founded in 1983, IFS has grown into a global technology leader. Its proprietary IFS.ai platform uses generative and agentic AI capabilities to automate workflows, improve decision-making and deliver unified data insights across complex operations.
Softfootball notes that it is surprising for a club of Chelsea’s stature to have gone this long without a major front-shirt sponsor. During Enzo Maresca’s tenure before his departure on New Year’s Day 2026, the team also experienced a similar situation. Last season, Chelsea did not secure a front-of-shirt sponsor until late April, when they partnered with DAMAC Properties.
In the 2023/24 campaign, Chelsea began the season without a sponsor before eventually agreeing a £40m-plus deal with Infinite Athlete.
Historically, Chelsea have attracted major global brands, including partnerships with Samsung and Yokohama Rubber Company. The absence of a long-term sponsor in recent seasons raised questions about commercial strategy and brand positioning under the current ownership.
With IFS.ai now on board, Chelsea will hope this partnership marks a new phase of commercial stability, matching their ambitions on the pitch with renewed strength off it.
