THREE have suspended their £120million shirt sponsorship contract with Chelsea following the Government's crackdown on Roman Abramovich.

The telecommunications provider became the west Londoners' main shirt sponsors ahead of the 2020/21 season in a three-year deal.

But they've decided to halt their deal with the Blues following the UK Government's decision to freeze Abramovich's assets due to his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin – who began an illegal invasion of Ukraine a fortnight ago.

A statement read: "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 our brand from the and around the stadium until further notice.

READ MORE ON THE CHELSEA CHAOS

Roman Abramovich club sale BANNED as assets FROZEN and club can’t sell tickets

Chelsea release short statement after Abramovich is banned from selling club

"We recognise that this decision will impact the many fans who follow their team passionately.

"However, we feel that given the circumstance, 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 the Ukraine."

FOOTBALL OFFERS

DAYTIME DANGER

Lorraine Kelly in BOMB THREAT as box addressed to her sparks ITV evacuation

SITTING DUCKS

Column of Putin’s tanks destroyed & ‘ANOTHER top commander killed in ambush’

Three's decision to pause their relationship with Chelsea means Thomas Tuchel's side are unlikely to wear their regular away kit for tonight's clash with Norwich.

But Three have accepted it may not be possible for the Blues to final a suitable replacement kit in time for tonight's Premier League match.

Chelsea are also sponsored by sporting apparel giants Nike – who have yet to issue a statement on the sanctioning of Abramovich.

The Government's decision to sanction Abramovich, 55, has had serious ramifications for the club – which he was hoping to offload to prevent having it seized.

Abramovich – who has been deemed to have been a Krelim crony of Putin's for 'decades' – has been banned from selling the club and from injecting more money into the SW6 outfit.

But the Government will consider an application for a licence to sell the club.

The Blues – who will be docked nine points if they go into administration – have been BANNED from buying or selling players and tieing their out-contract stars to new deals.

Additionally, they won't be able to sell club merchandise and tickets and have had their travel costs limited to a paltry £20,000 per game.

The sanctions imposed on the west Londoners could see them miss out on a whopping £97MILLION in sponsorship money.

An excerpt of the government's decision to sanction Abramovich read said: “This association has included obtaining a financial benefit or other material benefit from Putin and the Government of Russia.

"This includes tax breaks received by companies linked to Abramovich, buying and selling shares from and to the state at favourable rates, and the contracts received in the run-up to the 2018 World Cup.

"Therefore, Abramovich has received preferential treatment and concessions from Putin and the government of Russia.”

It later continued: "Abramovich…has been involved in destabilising Ukraine and undermining and threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

Source: Read Full Article