CHRIS WHEELER’S VERDICT

UK ATHLETICS are close to signing a long-term extension to their kit deal with nike that will have significant repercussions for track and field.

The agreement will see nike sign up until 2030, bringing further stability to uKA with yoghurt manufacturer Muller also coming on board in a showcase year, with the London stadium hosting the World Championships in August.

Part of the deal with nike would be a regular GB v usA meeting. however, uKA’s commitment to a nike tie-up is likely to kibosh the olympic trials being planned by the British olympic Association ahead of Tokyo 2020.

The BoA are backed by adidas and it will be almost impossible for uKA to sign up for a new event at which their athletes would be wearing the kit of nike’s arch rivals.

A BoA spokesman said there had been early talks with uKA about the trials in the knowledge that nike were their sponsors. TIM

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