IFS has announced a landmark agreement with Chelsea Football Club to embed AI-driven technology across the club’s operations, positioning Chelsea among the most technologically advanced football organizations in the world.
The agreement expands upon the multi-year global partnership signed earlier this year and will see IFS technology integrated into key business functions over the coming years. The initial phase will focus on deploying Finance and Procurement solutions, providing Chelsea with enhanced operational visibility, automation, and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
Using the IFS.ai platform, Chelsea FC will gain real-time insights into financial operations while streamlining procurement activities through automated workflows covering supplier onboarding, contract management, purchasing processes, and spend visibility. The implementation is designed to improve efficiency, reduce manual workloads, and strengthen operational governance across the club.
As part of the broader roadmap, Chelsea and IFS plan to extend AI adoption into areas such as asset management, facilities operations, and other business-critical functions. The move reflects the club’s ambition to leverage advanced technologies to optimize performance both on and off the pitch.
“Chelsea FC operates in a world where performance, precision and pressure are non-negotiable. That’s exactly the kind of environment where IFS Industrial AI thrives and delivers. This partnership will demonstrate what’s possible when elite ambition meets industrial-grade AI.” — Mark Moffat, Chief Executive Officer, IFS
IFS, which manages approximately $2.4 trillion worth of critical assets worldwide across industries including manufacturing, energy, aerospace, and service operations, will bring its Industrial AI expertise to the sports sector. The same technologies used to optimize complex industrial environments will now support Chelsea’s business operations and long-term growth objectives.
Adriel Lares, Chief Financial Officer at Chelsea Football Club, said the partnership represents the next step in the club’s digital transformation journey, enabling Chelsea to unlock new opportunities through AI-powered software and intelligent automation.
The collaboration highlights the growing adoption of artificial intelligence in professional sports, where clubs are increasingly investing in advanced technologies to improve operational efficiency, enhance decision-making, and create sustainable competitive advantages. By integrating Industrial AI into its core operations, Chelsea FC aims to set a new benchmark for innovation and operational excellence in Premier League football.
