Four days before the curtain is raised on the 2022/23 season, fewer than half the clubs in England's top four tiers have home and away kits available for supporters to purchase because of supply chain issues.
A fresh investigation has revealed that as of Monday morning, only 44 out of 92 clubs have both their season kits on sale. Premier League clubs including Crystal Palace and Leeds are among those who have neither kit available.
Findings by the BBC illuminated that out of the 92 clubs across the top four divisions:
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44 teams have both kits available for sale on their website
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22 teams have only their home kit available
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7 teams have only their away kit available
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19 teams have neither kit available
The issue is being pinned on production disruptions in Asia as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and has affected a number of manufacturers, including Adidas and Puma.
Adidas, who supply kits to Leeds among other top-flight sides, said that "unprecedented challenges over the past year" have led to the delays. It is unclear when the Elland Road club’s new outfit will be available to fans.
Last week, Stockport County, newly promoted to League Two having won last season’s National League title, said that they were “significantly let down by our kit provider, Puma, in the delivery of kits ahead of the new season”.
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Their statement added: “It has recently come to light that their shipping partner has mislaid part of the shipment due to be delivered, and as a result we are unable to fulfil a number of orders placed by fans whilst they try to locate it. In the event that the lost shipment cannot be located, we will unfortunately have to wait until the next kit delivery is due to arrive with the club.”
Their home shirt will not be available until November, with away kits expected to arrive two months earlier. Stockport said: “We understand and share in the frustration that this will cause supporters, and apologise to all fans affected by this issue. All customers affected will be contacted and a full refund will be offered, or a 20 per cent discount on their order if they choose to wait for the delivery.”
In reply, Puma said: "We are not facing supply issues in teamwear at the moment. Stockport County had made an order for home shirts, of which unfortunately about 15 per cent were lost at the entry port in the UK during transit. We had informed the club about the missing shirts immediately and we are working with our logistics partner to find the missing shirts."
