Update: Chelsea are still wearing the Three logo in their FA Cup match against Middlesbrough this afternon. They still did not manage to remove the logo, apparently. It's the fourth match since Three announced they should remove it. Let's see how this evolves.
Update: The British telecommunications company Three urge Chelsea to remove/hide the logo from the kit.
Chelsea have been wearing the Three logo against Lillie again tonight.
A Three spokesperson said: “We understand from discussions with Chelsea FC that there are ongoing issues with removing the Three logo from the shirts, as a result of kit supply issues and licence restrictions.
We have requested that Chelsea revert with a solution as soon as possible
“We have requested that Chelsea revert with a solution to this issue as soon as possible.”
Chelsea are unable to print new kits as severe operational restrictions have been imposed on the club following the UK government’s decision to freeze Roman Abramovich’s assets. They could cover the logo with a patch, however.
Update: The Premier League/Sky removed the Three logo from the Chelsea shirts for the line-up preview of the broadcast. Thanks to Nico for the heads-up.
Three Logo Removed For Premier League Broadcast
Update March 13: Chelsea are still wearing the Three and Hyundai logos on their kits against Newcastle today. According to Football London, this is because Chelsea do not have any shirts without the logos and are currently unable to order more after Abramovich was sanctioned.
Chelsea could simply cover the logo with a blue patch
However, we believe that Chelsea's move has a deeper purpose - we believe they do not want to play with cheap-looking shirts and hope to get the sponsors back when the club are free of sanctions. Indeed, there are simple solutions to hide the logos. For example, they could simply cover the logo with a blue patch, available for a few pounds in every hardware store.
There are concerns if Chelsea will be unable to complete the Premier League season
There are now also concerns if Chelsea will be unable to complete the Premier League season due to the financial restrictions placed on the club.
Update - 10 March 2021: Chelsea apparently did not manage to remove the Three logo from their kits in time for this evening's match against Norwich. They are currently wearing the regular kits with the Three logo.
Two mock-ups of how the Chelsea home kit looks without Three were created by @LDNFootbalI.
Reigning Champions League winner Chelsea FC are without a main sponsor for the time being.
Three Suspend Chelsea Sponsorship Because of Sanctions on Roman Abramovich
Three have suspended their £40 million contract with Chelsea. Three's decision follows the sanctions imposed by the British government on club owner Roman Abramovich.
Three's deal with Chelsea is valid until 2023
The telecommunications company have been on the front of all Chelsea jerseys since the 2020-21 season. Their agreement is set to run until the summer of 2023.
A spokesperson for Three said: “We recognise that this decision will impact the many Chelsea fans who follow their team passionately. However, we feel that given the circumstances, and the Government sanction that is in place, it is the right thing to do.”
Three have demanded that their logo be removed from Chelsea jerseys immediately. The Blues are in action against Norwich City on Thursday evening and it remains to be seen whether the sponsor will be removed from their kit in time for the fixture.
The Chelsea kitman has been trying to source 20 plain blue soccer shirts
According to Matt Lawton of the Times, the Chelsea kitman has been trying to source 20 plain blue soccer shirts.
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