Three have sponsored Chelsea since January 2020
Chelsea’s main sponsors Three have stated that they are reviewing their deal with the Blues after the UK Government’s decision to sanction Russian owner Roman Abramovich.
The telecommunications company have been Chelsea’s official shirt partner since January 2020, with their logo appearing on the front of all Chelsea shirts – including the Women’s team and Academy sides – from the start of the 2020/21 campaign.
Abramovich’s assets were frozen on Thursday after he was sanctioned by the government as a result of his close ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
He is one of several high-profile Russians with interests in the UK who have been named in a government report and will have all of their assets frozen.
NEW: Telecommunications company Three confirm to @TimesSport that their £40million a year sponsorship deal with Chelsea is now ‘under review’. More sponsors likely to follow.
— Matt Lawton (@Lawton_Times) March 10, 2022
A spokesperson for Three told the i newspaper: “We are reviewing the situation and are in discussions with Chelsea FC.”
Although Chelsea have been given a special license which allows them to continue playing matches and paying staff, the Blues will not be able to sell tickets to home or away fans and are banned from signing new players under the terms of the sanctions.
The London outfit are prevented from selling merchandise, or spending money on developing or refurbishing Stamford Bridge or the Cobham training ground.
The ‘Russia Regulations’ license also prohibits the Blues from spending more than £20,000 on any away game travel, which, as explained by experienced player liaison officer Hugo Scheckter, could prove difficult for the club.
For context, a usual Premier League away game with a flight, security, food, hotels etc would be about £30k. Going abroad, don’t see how they can do anything other than either commercial flights or drive their bus & significant drop in standard of hotel. Will make a big impact. https://t.co/23bSQuMA40
— Hugo Scheckter (@HugoScheckter) March 10, 2022
Scheckter said that for a regular domestic away game, the logistics usually total £30k. An away trip to Europe will obviously cost more, meaning that to facilitate an away trip in the Champions League, the club will have to make significant cost cutting measures with regard to travel and accommodation.
Related links:
- How will sanctions against Roman Abramovich affect Chelsea?
- Chelsea “not allowed to sell tickets” after Roman Abramovich sanctioned
- Roman Abramovich sanctioned by UK government
