CHELSEA are haemorrhaging money and sponsors after the UK government imposed sanctions on Roman Abramovich.
The Blues owner has also been barred by the Premier League from continuing as a director.
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The following companies are Chelsea club partners:
- Three
- Nike
- Trivago
- Cadbury
- EA Sports
- GO Markets
- Hublot
- Hyundai
- Levy Restaurants
- MSC Cruises
- Singha
- Sure
- Vitality
- Yokohama Tyres
- Zapp
- Singer Capital Markets
Three
Three are Chelsea’s club sponsor in a deal worth an estimated £40m per year.
But the mobile phone company issued the following statement:
“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.
“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.”
Hyundai
Car manufacturer Hyundai have suspended their £10m/year deal with the club.
Their statement read: “In the current circumstances, we have taken the decision to suspend our marketing and communication activities with the Club until further notice.”
Zapp
Food delivery service Zapp issued the following statement: “Given the ongoing uncertainty related to the ownership situation of Chelsea FC, our marketing activities with the club have been paused while our partnership remains under review.”
Nike
Nike are maintaining their kit sponsorship deal with Chelsea for the time being, according to The Athletic.
The sports retail giant have a 15-year kit sponsorship deal worth £900m, so their decision is a mega boost for the Blues.
Trivago
Trivago are the first company to confirm they will continue their partnership with Chelsea.
However, they have warned Roman Abramovich that they expect a sale of the club to be concluded quickly.
A Trivago statement read: “As a global travel brand, we believe in connecting and bringing people together.
“These are values shared by Chelsea FC, an institution that is now 117 years old with a tradition so vitally important to its fans and communities, both locally and globally, and that is why we decided to partner with the club last year.
“The uncertainty over the current ownership situation of Chelsea has been challenging.
“Moving forward, it is important to us to continue supporting the club, the fans and community along with the essential work that the Chelsea Foundation does to help those in need.
“We are looking forward to a transition of ownership as soon as possible, and want to support the club in this process.
“We will provide any update to our business relationship if and when appropriate.
“As a company of global citizens, we cannot condone the unprovoked and catastrophic invasion of Ukraine.
“We believe in a free world, freedom of speech and peace.
“We continue our efforts together with our teams to support the humanitarian efforts and to ease the suffering of the affected population.
“We stand with Ukraine.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
