Chelsea’s main sponsors Three say they are reviewing their deal with the club following the UK Government’s decision to sanction owner Roman Abramovich.
Three became the Blues’ official shirt partner in January 2020, with their logo appearing on the front of all Chelsea shirts including the Women’s team and Academy from the beginning of the 2020-21 season.
A spokesperson for the mobile network told i: “We are reviewing the situation and are in discussions with Chelsea FC.”
Abramovich’s assets were frozen on Thursday, days after he had put Chelsea up for sale. The Treasury said he “has had a close relationship for decades” with Russian president Vladimir Putin. The 55-year-old has denied links to Putin’s regime.
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“Abramovich is or has been involved in destabilising Ukraine and undermining and threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, via Evraz PLC, a steel manufacturing and mining company in which Abramovich has a significant shareholding and over which Abramovich exercises effective control,” a statement added.
While Chelsea have been given a special license which allows them to continue playing matches and paying current players and staff, they will not be able to sign new players under the terms of the sanctions.
Chelsea’s 21 trophies won under Roman Abramovich
- Champions League x 2 (2011-12, 2021-22)
- Europa League x 2 (2012-13, 2018-19)
- European Super Cup x 1 (2021)
- Club World Cup x 1 (2021)
- Premier League x 5 (2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10, 2014-15, 2016-17)
- FA Cup x 5 (2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12, 2017-18)
- League Cup x 3 (2004-05, 2006-07, 2014-15)
- Community Shield x 2 (2005, 2009)
The club are also prevented from selling tickets, merchandise, or spend money on developing or refurbishing Stamford Bridge or the Cobham training ground. The club shop closed at around 11am on Thursday “until further notice”.
On 25 February, Three had announced they had removed roaming charges for all calls and texts from Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.
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“Sanctions placed on Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich by the UK government casts a shadow over Chelsea’s many commercial agreements,” said Conrad Wiacek, Head of Sport Analysis at GlobalData.
“While Chelsea has a sporting licence to continue trading as a soccer club, many brands will be wary of guilt by association. Chelsea is still one of the biggest clubs in the world and its on-field success still makes it an attractive commercial partner. However, given the rate at which many brands are looking to dissociate themselves from the Russian state, some may be wary of continuing partnerships.”
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