Nike remains committed to its partnership with Chelsea, The Athletic understands.
Shirt sponsors Three announced it was suspending its deal with the Stamford Bridge club on Thursday. The telecommunications company asked for its logo to be removed from Chelsea’s playing kit after Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government.
Abramovich was hit with sanctions on Thursday morning by the UK government, with Chelsea protected by a government license.
Described by the UK government as a “pro-Kremlin oligarch”, Abramovich has been sanctioned with an asset freeze and a travel ban.
However, sources close to kit makers Nike have told The Athletic it is maintaining its relationship with Chelsea.
There had been concerns over a deepening financial black hole at Chelsea if Nike dropped the club, as the deal is worth around £900 million over 15 years.
Chelsea signed a 15-year kit deal with Nike in 2016, which is reported to be worth an estimated £60m a season. Nike does not comment on the figures involved.
Nike produces Chelsea’s match kits, training gear and replica kits which are sold to fans.
