Chelsea, adidas to end partnership six years early

LONDON (AP) — Chelsea and sportswear giant adidas will terminate their longstanding partnership at the end of the 2016-17 season, six years earlier than originally planned.

Both parties made the announcement on Wednesday, saying it was a mutual agreement. adidas has been a sponsor and sportswear supplier of Chelsea since 2006.

The German company said in a statement that it will receive compensation from Chelsea to end the deal early, allowing the Premier League club to "enter a new equipment agreement with a competitor."