Ex-Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley pursues action against Adidas amid fresh Sports Direct row

The head of UK Sports Direct slammed Adidas after the retailer is overlooked again.
By Evie Lake
Published 29th Apr 2024, 12:39 BST

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Ex-Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley looks to be pursuing action against Adidas after he was prevented from stocking Newcastle United’s 24/25 kits in Sports Direct.

Earlier this month, the Sports Direct billionaire failed to get an injunction to force Newcastle United to supply the store with the club’s new Adidas kit.

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And it doesn’t look like Sports Direct’s difficulties stop there.

The Telegraph were told the retailer was ‘active with the authorities’ after a dispute with Adidas.

Mike Ashley ranks as the second highest taxpayer in the Midlands and the eighth highest across the UK. Ashley owns House of Fraser, GAME, Jack Wills and Sports Direct – which is based in Shirebrook – and sold Newcastle United for £305m back in 2021.Mike Ashley ranks as the second highest taxpayer in the Midlands and the eighth highest across the UK. Ashley owns House of Fraser, GAME, Jack Wills and Sports Direct – which is based in Shirebrook – and sold Newcastle United for £305m back in 2021.
Mike Ashley ranks as the second highest taxpayer in the Midlands and the eighth highest across the UK. Ashley owns House of Fraser, GAME, Jack Wills and Sports Direct – which is based in Shirebrook – and sold Newcastle United for £305m back in 2021.

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The head of UK’s Sports Direct, David Forsey, has labelled Adidas as ‘anti-competitive’ and reported the sportswear maker to the competition authorities after it has not supplied the retailer with replica shirts for the teams it sponsors at the World Cup, according to the Telegraph.

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This includes the likes of Germany, Argentina, Spain and Colombia.

It was reported Herbert Hainer, Adidas Chief Executive, said he was keen to work with the retailer but only if the appearance of the stores improved.

Forsey was quoted saying: “We believe it is all about price. That is the only conclusion we can come to,” in relation to Sports Direct’s discounts.

Ashley sold Newcastle United in 2021 after 14 years at the helm. The 59-year-old sued current co-owner Amanda Staveley for allegedly breaching the terms of a £10m loan.

Despite Staveley paying back the money in October, Ashley continues to pursue High Court action after the businesswoman was reported to have made negative public statements about him.

Related topics:Mike AshleyAdidasAmanda StaveleyNewcastleWorldThe TelegraphGermanyColombiaSpainMoneyHigh Court

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