Chelsea shirt sponsor Three has requested to temporarily suspend its deal with the club after the UK government froze Roman Abramovich’s assets.
In the aftermath of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the billionaire’s assets in the UK have been frozen, yet he continues to deny any ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
With immediate effect and until further notice, the Three emblem will be removed from Chelsea shirts and advertising boards around Stamford Bridge.
Despite the move, Chelsea has been granted a sporting license to continue playing and dealing, albeit the measures will prevent Abramovich from selling the club.
Read: Bleak Future For Chelsea As Gov’t Slaps Roman Abramovich With Stiff Sanctions
Since the start of the 2020-21 season, Three has been Chelsea’s primary shirt sponsor.
A spokesperson for Three said: “In light of the government’s recently announced sanctions, we have requested Chelsea Football Club temporarily suspend our partnership of the club, including the removal of our brand from shirts and around the stadium until further notice.
“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.
“As a mobile network, the best way we can support the people of Ukraine is to ensure refugees arriving in the UK from the conflict and customers currently in Ukraine can stay connected to the people who matter to them. Therefore, we are offering connectivity packages to all Ukrainians arriving in the UK, and those in Ukraine.”
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