South Korean car maker Hyundai has temporarily suspended its £10 million sponsorship of Chelsea FC, in light of UK government sanctions being brought against the club’s Russian owner Roman Abramovich.
The motor company has been Chelsea’s official global automotive partner since 2018, and its logo has featured on player’s shirtsleeves in every game since.
A statement released by the company read: “Hyundai has become one of the strongest partners in football over the years and the company supports the sport to be a force for good.
“Through our partnership with Chelsea FC, we are proud supporters of the players, the fans and grassroots football.
“However, in the current circumstances, we have taken the decision to suspend our marketing and communication activities with the Club until further notice.”
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The move comes as UK government ministers have accused Abramovich of having “clear connections” to Vladimir Putin, and of having “blood on his hands”.
Abramovich’s UK assets were frozen on Thursday, and he has been barred from travelling into the country.
The Russian oligarch has put the West London club up for sale following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, but any potential deals have been thrown into uncertainty by these latest developments.
The news comes as a further blow to the club as primary shirt sponsor, Three UK has also suspended its £40 million-a-year deal with the Premier League side.
Kit manufacturer Nike has for now refused to comment on the situation, telling The Athletic that it “remained committed to its partnership with Chelsea”.
Training kit sponsor Trivago has released a supportive statement, but expressed a desire for “a transition of ownership as soon as possible.”
In a bizarre twist Chelsea will continue wearing kits with both the Three and Hyundai logos. Due to government sanctions the club is for now unable to have alternative kits produced.
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