10:18PM BST 24 Sep 2012
Terry has been one of the mainstays of the kit supplier’s stable of players endorsing its products, in a long-running deal believed to have been worth £4 million a year to him.
However that came to an end last season and, Telegraph Sport can reveal, it has not been renewed.
The decision not to extend the deal came following an internal review at
Umbro, which took into account matters in the criminal trial over
allegations he racially abused Anton Ferdinand during a match against
Despite his acquittal in that trial, an Umbro insider confirmed on Monday: “The deal wasn’t renewed. He was wearing Umbro boots at the weekend but I think they were from his old contract.”
Umbro, which is now a subsidiary of Nike – though it has been put up for sale by the US sportswear manufacturer – had stood by Terry during previous episodes of scandal and it is believed to be the last commercial deal Terry still had.
Terry lost the
But by then it appears his advisers were already trying too hard to boost his commercial profile. Terry had lost his status as the face of Konami Sports’ computer-console game Pro Evolution Soccer and a promotion with King of Shaves proved to be a one-off sponsorship.
In late 2009 Terry’s agency, Elite Management, engaged Riviera Entertainment, a public-relations firm, to promote the search for sponsors.
In a widely distributed press release to sponsorship agencies and firms active in sports endorsements, it wrote: “Are you looking for a leader to represent your brand? John Terry Captain of England and Chelsea Football Team.
“Riviera Entertainment is identifying suitable commercial endorsement opportunities for its client John Terry for the period building up to the [2010 World Cup] finals — and beyond.
“If you are looking for a fresh approach for your brand during the time leading up to the World Cup, or feel it would benefit from being associated with a leader – especially relevant in today’s ultra-competitive marketplace – then why not let the nation’s football captain help get your message across.”
At the time Terry claimed the email had been sent “without my authority or knowledge and was not approved by me (or those advising me)”.
