IFS: The AI Power Behind Operations at Chelsea FC

IFS, a global leader in industrial AI, has reached an agreement with Chelsea Football Club to make the club a trailblazer in the use of AI within its operations. 

The enterprise software specialist says it is already setting a new benchmark and innovative approach for a Premier League football club. 

This agreement follows on from the announcement of the multi-year global partnership between IFS and Chelsea Football Club on 19 February 2024.

Optimising finance and procurement backend operations

In this deal, technology from IFS will be implemented across the operations of Chelsea Football Club through this period. To start with, the platform will work across finance and procurement solutions.

IFS and Chelsea FC will look to extend the use across a broad range of industrial AI capabilities including asset management and facility operations. The technology will play a leading role within the operational foundations of the business.

Chelsea Football Club will use next-generation IFS.ai tooling to enhance performance, drive efficiency and uncover opportunities for future growth. In this initial phase, IFS technology will give Chelsea real-time visibility across its finance operations and automate manual processes.

The software will also provide a guided, end-to-end procurement process covering supplier onboarding, contract management and spend visibility.

Mark Moffat, CEO at IFS, says: “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 to the world what's possible when elite ambition meets industrial-grade AI.”

Setting new standards for elite football clubs

This integration plays a part in the ambition of Chelsea Football Club to become one of the most operationally advanced clubs in world football. 

The deployment of IFS Industrial AI is setting a new standard for what world-class operational technology looks like in elite sport.

Adriel Lares, Chief Financial Officer at Chelsea Football Club, says: “Advanced technology is transforming the way businesses operate and we are excited to be moving into the next phase of our partnership with IFS to realise the opportunities AI software presents.”

The same Industrial AI that keeps turbines running and factories online will now be applied to Chelsea Football Club today and in the future.

Sharpening competitive edge on and off the pitch

IFS and Chelsea Football Club continue their relationship, having achieved the Principal Partner status of the club and appeared on the front of the shirt for Chelsea during the 2024/25 season. 

This partnership places Chelsea Football Club at the forefront of the technological evolution of football.

By leveraging IFS AI to link people, assets and data in real time, the club is sharpening its competitive edge on the pitch while elevating the experience for millions of global fans.

The agreement signals the intent of Chelsea Football Club to lead from the front, not just in matches, but in how elite modern clubs are built and operated. 

By embedding advanced AI into its core foundations, Chelsea Football Club is reinforcing its long-term ambition to set the global benchmark for sports performance and innovation.

Speaking when the partnership was first announced, Jason Gannon, President of Chelsea Football Club, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with IFS and leverage their leading edge AI software to help propel the club to even greater success.

“This partnership is a statement of intent to keep leading in this field, harnessing the opportunities advanced technology brings and unlocking the power of AI to improve everything we do on and off the pitch.”