Manchester United have confirmed a "landmark" multi-year partnership for Tezos to become their blockchain and training kit partner.
First reported last week, the exact length of the deal with the New York-based company has not been announced or the value.
Tezos-branded training kit will be worn by the first team squad for the first time prior to this weekend’s match against Southampton.
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The Red Devils' training kit has been without a sponsor this season after the deal with AON ended.
It was reported in May 2021 that THG had pulled out of a proposed training kit sponsorship deal with United worth £200m over 10 years after the retail giant expressed concerns it could be boycotted by fans protesting at the club's owners.
THG's Cheshire-based MyProtein brand was due to appear on the club's training kit and replace AON, sponsors of the club’s Carrington training centre.
The move came after a fans protect against the Glazers outside Old Trafford led to United’s game with Liverpool being postponed in the wake of the fall out over the proposed European Super League.
AON’s long-running agreement expired on June 30, 2021.
Victoria Timpson, Manchester United’s CEO of alliances and partnerships, said: "This is a hugely exciting partnership for Manchester United because it aligns us with one of the most advanced, reliable and sustainable blockchains in an area of technology which promises to truly revolutionise the way that everyone, including the club and our fans, can interact.
"We are especially pleased to be partnering with one of the most eco-friendly blockchains, using technology that is energy-efficient, limits carbon emissions and lowers costs, consistent with the club’s wider efforts to promote environmental sustainability.
"Partnerships are at the core of our strength as a club, supporting the drive for success on the pitch, and we are delighted to welcome Tezos as the latest industry leader to join our family of partners."
On its website, the company describes itself as "an open-source platform that addresses key barriers facing blockchain adoption for assets and applications backed by a global community of validators, researchers, and builders".
It adds: "By design, Tezos embraces long-term upgradability, open participation, collaboration, and smart contract safety."
Edward Adlard, head of adoption and business development, Tezos Ecosystem, added: "Throughout its history, Manchester United has constantly evolved, with the support of its huge and diverse global community of fans and partners.
"Tezos will enable Manchester United to use blockchain and Web3 to transform fan, player, team, and partner engagement.
"The decision by the world’s greatest football club to select Tezos as its blockchain of choice is further validation that thoughtful design paired with strong security, low gas fees, and community-led innovation are the essential factors driving the next wave of adoption in the new digital revolution."
