Why Chelsea have had to keep Three and Hyundai branding on shirts despite sponsors suspending £170m deals

CHELSEA have had to keep Three and Hyundai branding on their kits for recent matches, despite having been ditched by the two sponsors.

The Blues have seen a number of their sponsorship deals suspended in the wake of sanctions imposed on owner Roman Abramovich due to alleged ties with Vladimir Putin last week.

Shirt sponsors Three abandoned an agreement worth £40million-per-season, while Hyundai also ended their arrangement 'until further notice'.

News of both suspensions came quickly in the wake of Thursday morning's sanctions placed upon Abramovich, but Chelsea have continued wearing Three and Hyundai's logos on their shirts.

Both brands appeared as the Blues beat Norwich 3-1 on Thursday night and overcame Newcastle 1-0 on Sunday afternoon.

According to The Athletic, this is because Chelsea cannot afford to print a new kit.

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They claim that to do so would breach the terms of the license given to them by the government to keep operating amid Abramovich's sanctions.

One sponsor that has privately backed the West London club is kit manufacturer Nike.

Conversations are believed to be taking place with the kit suppliers regarding a possible solution.

Until such an agreement can be met, the Blues will continue to wear the logos of Three and Hyundai on their kits.

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The brands are claimed to be against taking legal action to 'force the issue'.

Abramovich was spotted yesterday for the first time since sanctions were imposed.

As many as 200 investors are said to be interested in buying Chelsea from the 55-year-old.

A Saudi Media Group fronted by Mohamed Alkhereiji reportedly made a £2.7billion bid for the crisis club yesterday.

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