German sportswear giant Adidas has announced the launch of legal proceedings against the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for seeking an early termination of their long-term partnership, reports www.sportspromedia.com/

Adidas' RFEF contract is worth a reported €18 million (US$20.4 million) a year and does not expire until 2026. However, last month the RFEF announced that it would be terminating the deal early, saying it disputes the 'legality, transparency and fairness' of the arrangement, also confirming that it had already approached potential new partners.

Now Adidas has responded by confirming it has initiated legal proceedings. In a statement, the German brand said: 'In 2015, Adidas and the RFEF signed an extension of the current contract, expanding its duration from 2019 to 2026. This is a binding agreement that does not include an exit clause for any of the parties. Adidas has always acted in good faith and would like to continue the successful support given to the RFEF and to Spanish soccer.

'Unfortunately due to the recent actions taken by RFEF and to preserve the legitimate interests of the brand with the three stripes, Adidas is forced to take legal action to ensure that the RFEF complies with the established contract until the end of the agreed period.'

Adidas has been a supplier of Spain's national teams since 1992, and the latest renewal, covering the men's and women's teams, and all age group sides, was agreed in September 2015 under long-serving former RFEF president Angel Maria Villar.