Chelsea fans were surprised to see their team turn out in their usual kit to face Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday.
Chelsea’s home kit featured the logos of Three and Hyundai, despite both companies suspending their sponsorship deals with the Premier League club.
Earlier this week, Chelsea’s main shirt sponsor Three announced it had suspended its £40m-a-year deal with the Blues after club owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the British government in response to Russia’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.
South Korean car manufacturer Hyundai followed suit on Saturday, suspending its own sponsorship deal with Chelsea “until further notice”.
Both companies’ logos remained on Chelsea’s kit for Sunday’s match at Stamford Bridge, and the reason has now been revealed.
According to Football London, Chelsea do not have any shirts without the logos and are currently unable to order new ones because of the sanctions affecting the club.
More to follow…