With Mobile phone firm Three (3) today suspending its £40million shirt sponsorship deal with Chelsea FC after UK sanctions were introduced against Roman Abramovich banning ticket and merchandise sales.
A spokesman for the firm said today: ‘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.’
Chelsea will today holding urgent talks with the government to try and change the terms of its licence, which is intended to allow the club to do the ‘bare minimum’ to keep running.
A £20,000 maximum spend on away travel is among the terms expected to be varied after it emerged the usual budget is far higher.
The Treasury set the figure without consulting the club due to the need for secrecy, and ‘didn’t know how much it costs to run an away game’.
It is understood the team are due to fly from London to Norwich at the weekend and the trip is set to cost ‘tens of thousands of pounds’.
‘Maybe we should make them get the Megabus to Norwich,’ one source joked to MailOnline.
The £20,000 cap also raises serious logistical questions for its Champions League game in Lille next Wednesday, although Sky Sports reported claims by a Chelsea player’s agent that the club had already paid for this year’s travel in advance.
Executives are also said to be concerned about the maximum spend of £500,000 for hosting home games, which includes costs like stewarding, security and catering supplies.
Today, Chelsea confirmed it ‘intended to engage in discussions with the UK Government regarding the scope of the licence’.
The embargo on ticket sales will cost the club more than £600,000 a game, based on a £47 minimum ticket cost for the 12,834 seats at Stamford Bridge that are not already occupied by season ticket holders.
Abramovich, whose tainted billions propelled Chelsea from mid-table mediocrity to five Premier League titles, has been banned from doing business in the UK – meaning his plan to sell the club is on hold.
Ministers are understood to be clear that it is ultimately a matter for Ambramovich whether he sells, but any assets realised will remain frozen.
However, an insider admitted it is not a sustainable position for the football club. ‘The quicker the sale the better,’ they said.
A senior government source said there is no intention for the taxpayer to take full control of Chelsea.
Chelsea’s status as a ‘significant cultural asset’ means it can continue playing, but Abramovich will be deprived of any profits.
Adapted from Dailymail football.
