Chelsea shirt sponsors Three have asked to “temporarily suspend” their £40million-a-year deal with the club after Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK Government.
The mobile network provider say they have requested that their named and branding be removed from the Blues’ kit and around Stamford Bridge following the news that Abramovich has had his assets frozen because of his links with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Three became Chelsea’s official shirt partner in 2020.
Their logo appears on the front of all Chelsea shirts including Chelsea Women and academy teams.
A spokesperson for Three said: “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.”
The company have asked that their request be implemented immediately but the Blues are in action against Norwich City on Thursday evening and it remains to be seen whether the sponsor will be removed from their kit in time for the fixture.
Hyundai are also considering their partnership with Chelsea. A Hyundai statement said: “Hyundai has become one of the strongest partners in football over the years and the company supports the sport to be a force for good. We are currently assessing the situation with Chelsea.”
Chelsea also have sponsorship deals with Nike, Trivago, Cadbury, EA Sports, Fiserv, Hublot, Go Markets, Pari Match, MSC Cruises, Singha, Sure, Vitality Health Insurance, Yokohoma Tyres and Zapp.
Despite the sanctions imposed on Abramovich, Chelsea will still be allowed to operate after being granted a special licence to continue football-related activity.
The sanctions have blocked Abramovich’s immediate plans to sell Chelsea.
A sale may yet go ahead, but Abramovich would have to hand over the process to the UK Government, and it would be under the strict proviso that he does not benefit financially in any way.
Following the announcement, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “Today’s sanctions show once again that oligarchs and kleptocrats have no place in our economy or society. With their close links to Putin they are complicit in his aggression.
“The blood of the Ukrainian people is on their hands. They should hang their heads in shame.
“Our support for Ukraine will not waver. We will not stop in this mission to ramp up the pressure on the Putin regime and choke off funds to his brutal war machine.”
