March 10 (THEWILL) – After the UK government imposed fines against Roman Abramovich on Thursday, mobile phone network, Three Mobile, stated that they are suspending their sponsorship with Chelsea.
Due to Abramovich’s close relations with Vladimir Putin, who authorised the invasion of Ukraine, the Russian oligarch’s assets were sanctioned.
Three, which signed a sponsorship contract with Chelsea in 2020 that included the use of their emblem as the club’s official shirt sponsor, have now revealed that their partnership with the Blues is being suspended.
A Three Mobile spokesperson said: “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.”
Chelsea face Norwich City at Carrow Road on Thursday evening, and it is unclear whether they will be using shirts without Three’s insignia so quickly.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
