West Ham United can confirm that the first-team players will wear squad numbers on the front of their shirts for Saturday's home game against Newcastle United.
The decision follows consultation with the Premier League with regard to the various options open to the club following the termination of the relationship with XL Holidays last week. This decision still allows future dispensation from the Premier League to change player and replica kits to a new commercial sponsor once an agreement is in place.
Although aware and respectful of the supporter-backed campaign to replace XL Holidays with the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK, the commercial reality is the club has a financial duty to secure the best possible sponsorship package to help with the continued development of the first-team squad.
Extensive talks have taken place with several parties and the club is actively looking to secure a long-term deal, although this will not be signed before tomorrow's game. In the meantime, the club continues to support the Bobby Moore Fund, having agreed a three-year partnership back in July, and has further increased its exposure on key club platforms.
Stephanie Moore MBE, Founder of the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK, said: "Our new partner, West Ham United has done so much to ensure that Bobby's name, and the charity founded in his memory, is at the forefront of people's minds. This is helping us fund invaluable scientific research into the disease which claimed Bobby's life, while also raising vital awareness.
"I am looking forward to this partnership continuing to grow over the next three years and am grateful to all of the supporters for their ongoing fundraising efforts. They really are incredible. I am also touched by the thousands of fans that have asked for the Fund's logo to be used on the players' shirts, but fully understand the club's position and the complexities involved."
For more information about the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK (Registered Charity No. 1089464), please visit www.bobbymoorefund.org