Burnley forced to make major kit change hours before Championship opener against West Ham

Burnley were dealt an unwanted dilemma ahead of their Championship opener against West Ham United.

The former Premier League sides, who were both relegated from the top flight last season, will face off at Turf Moor on Sunday (August 16) as they bid to make a winning start on their quest to return to the promised land.

Due to both teams playing in claret shirts, West Ham will have to wear their white away shirt.

While the home team, Burnley, know they will be wearing their traditional claret colours, the club may not have expected to make a last-minute change to their shirts ahead of the Championship season.

The Clarets’ original front-of-shirt sponsors, Finotive One, will no longer have their logo printed on the kit despite the club already selling shirts with it emblazoned on.

Burnley confirmed that the agreement with the company had ended after less than two months of a one-year deal via a statement late on Thursday (August 13).

A club statement read: “Burnley Football Club is disappointed to confirm that its agreement with Finotive has been terminated.

“We have acted decisively to protect the Club’s interests, and those of our supporters, while ensuring preparations for the new season continue uninterrupted, both on and off the pitch.”

Instead, Burnley will have Vertu, a UK automotive retailer group, printed on their shirts. The Lancashire club has also given supporters who have already purchased shirts with Finotive One three options.

Fans can exchange their existing shirt for a new one with the Vertu sponsor printed on, have Vertu printed on the one they’ve already purchased, or claim a refund.

READ NEXT: West Ham agree deal to smash Championship transfer record just hours before new season starts

Burnley boast a good relationship with Vertu, with the company supporting initiatives helping communities in Burnley and East Lancashire.

Vertu held the role of official automotive retail partner, featuring on the back of Burnley’s shirts in the 2022/23 season.

A second club statement read: “Burnley Football Club is delighted to announce Vertu as the Club’s new Official Front of Shirt Principal Partner, with the award-winning automotive retailer becoming front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2026/27 season.

“The new partnership marks a fresh chapter in the relationship between Vertu and the Clarets, building on a relationship which began in 2022/23, with the retailer taking on one of the most prominent commercial positions at Turf Moor. Vertu branding will feature on the Men’s, Women’s and Academy First Team shirts from today.”

Following the clash against West Ham, Burnley take on West Brom at the Hawthorns on August 23 before hosting Norwich City at Turf Moor.

They then have fixtures against Middlesbrough, Bristol City, Wrexham, Swansea and Derby County in September.

The Clarets are currently third favourites for promotion with several bookmakers.