Liverpool have won a High Court battle over their new kit deal with Nike.
Existing supplier New Balance brought the case against the Reds’ agreement with the American sportswear giant due to being anti-competitive.
The Boston-based manufacturer argued they were denied a right to match Nike’s offer in a clause within their arrangement, which expires next summer.
New Balance also claimed the £70 million a season deal on offer from their rival actually only guaranteed £30m annually with the rest commission-based.
But after a week of evidence from both sides, presiding judge Mr Justice Teare’s written judgement found in favour of the Anfield hierarchy.
He said: “Mr Chris Davis (New Balance vice president) said the exercise of measurement was ‘very subjective’.
“I am not sure what he meant by that because a calculation based upon social media exposure is based on appearances which can be counted.
“It may be that different people have different views as to the most relevant way in which such appearances can be valued by some of those methods used (for example ‘max add value’ or share of voice value) will have a repeatable methodology.
“I accept that the calbre of the named athletes can be measured in a number of ways but it would be unrealistic (and contrary to the evidence in this case) that their calbre can not be measured.
“I have therefore concluded that the New Balance offer on marketing was less favourable to Liverpool FC than the Nike offer because Liverpool FC canot require New Balance, on the terms of its offer, to use global superstar athletes ‘of the calbire of LeBron James, Serena Williams and Drake’.
“It must follow that Liverpool FC is not obliged to enter into a new agreement with New Balance upon the terms of the latter’s offer.”
New Balance were denied a right to appeal the ruling, ending their combined seven-year partnership through its flagship brand and subsidiary Warrior.
“We’re disappointed that we’re not able to continue our successful sponsorship of the Liverpool Football Club,” read a New Balance statement.
“We know that fans value the unique and innovative kits we design and deliver that reflect the club’s heritage and recognise their past and recent triumphs.
“We believe strongly that we matched the competing offer and would have delivered many more years of record-breaking kit sales.
“We’re looking forward to seeing LFC continue to win this season wearing their New Balance kit.”
Liverpool welcomed Friday’s High Court ruling and reaffirmed its plans to proceed with a new kit manufacturer from the start of the 2020/21 season.
“Liverpool FC is pleased with the Judge’s decision to rule in favour of the club following the legal dispute with our current kit supplier, New Balance,” read a club statement.
“We will continue with New Balance for the current season, in combination with preparing next season’s Liverpool kits with our new supplier.”