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Sports Direct loses appeal over football kit deal

Related Topics: Frasers Group, Geoffrey Vos

Sports Direct has lost a bid over Newcastle United's exclusive football kit supply deal with rival retailer JD Sports.

It means the retailer, run by former Newcastle owner Mike Ashley's Frasers Group, will not be able to sell Newcastle replica kit for at least the 2024/25 Premier League season.

Sports Direct's lawyers had previously argued preventing the "home of football supplies" from selling cheaper shirts would harm fans but Newcastle United said there was "no evidence" competition would be damaged.

On Friday, three Court of Appeal judges dismissed Sport's Direct's request for an interim injunction.

PA Media  Mike Ashley wearing a green jacket
Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley owned Newcastle United for 14 years

Last month, the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) rejected a request from Sports Direct for a temporary court order forcing Newcastle to supply it ahead of a planned full trial of the legal claim.