This was confirmed by a spokesman for Three in a statement.

As a consequence of the suspension of the agreement, the company logo will be removed from the Chelsea shirt. There will also be no Three advertisements outside the London team’s Stamford Bridge arena.

“We understand that this decision affects the many Chelsea supporters who passionately support their team. However we believe that this is the right thing to do, taking into account the restructuring and sanctions of the authorities”, he said in a Tree press release.

Earlier Thursday, British authorities imposed extensive sanctions on a group of Russian oligarchs. Businessmen will have their economic room for maneuver in the UK reduced in the future as a result of hostilities in Ukraine. Chelsea owner Abramovich is among those whose assets have been frozen.

Characterize operation

Premier League clubs have been granted special licenses to continue their activities. This meant that Chelsea could play future matches and pay salaries to employees, but the action against Abramovich goes far beyond the club’s operations.

In the next few months, the dark blues will not be allowed to recruit new players, nor will there be an opening to sell club securities or match tickets. The British government’s aim is to shut down sources of income for the Russian owner Chelsea.

Abramovich has been in control of Chelsea since 2003. The club has won 19 major trophies under his ownership, including two Champions League titles and five Premier League victories.

will sell

As recently as last week, Abramovich announced that he would sell Chelsea, but Thursday’s sanction considered the sale process must now be postponed. This is not necessarily the case.

– We now have talks with Chelsea Football Club, and they will continue. Specific licensing terms granting permission to resume sales will be part of these discussions, said a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office.

Chelsea play away to Norwich on Thursday night.

(©NTB)