Chelsea are set to continue wearing shirts sponsored by mobile phone operator Three for the rest of the season, according to reports.
The company announced that they were suspending their £40million-a-year-deal with the club shortly after Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government. As a result of the suspension, they asked for the branding to be removed from the Blues' kits.
A statement read: "In light of the government's recently announced sanctions, we have requested Chelsea Football Club temporarily suspend our sponsorship of the club, including the removal of our brand from shirts and around the stadium until further notice.
READ MORE: Chelsea have dream Paulo Dybala transfer alternative that Premier League rivals envy
"We recognise that this decision will impact the many Chelsea fans who follow their team passionately. However, we feel that given the circumstances, and the government sanction that is in place, it is the right thing to do."
Despite Three's announcement, Chelsea have continued to wear shirts with their logo on the front. football.london reported earlier this month that the Chelsea did not have any stock of shirts without the logos and were unable to order more after Abramovich was sanctioned.
Car manufacturing giants Hyundai, who are Chelsea's shirt-sleeve sponsors, also announced that they were suspending their relationship with the Blues. "In the current circumstances, we have taken the decision to suspend our marketing and communication activities with the club until further notice," they said. Hyundai did not, however, request that their branding be removed from the shirt.
Under the terms of the special government licence the club are operating under, Nike - the Blues' kit suppliers - are not allowed to provide any new shirts. The club have spent the international break trying to solve the situation presented by Three, but as per the Daily Mail, all possible solutions have been rejected.
That included a proposal to spray paint over the logos, but that was deemed too messy. The report adds that covering the logo with tape was also rejected because a thin layer would be see through, whilst a thick tape would make the shirts too heavy and potentially uncomfortable for the players.
It understood that the Blues will continue to wear their usual branded kit when west London rivals Brentford make the short trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Three have been informed about Chelsea's decision.
The only way that will change before the end of the season is if a takeover of the club is completed, which would enable the government to lift the special licence and therefore, Nike could provide more shirts.
The list of potential new Chelsea owners has been narrowed down to four candidates. Consortia led by Sir Martin Broughton; Todd Boehly; the Ricketts family; and Stephen Pagliuca all have a chance of being the Blues' new owners. They've each been given until April 11 to submit improved bids.
