Premier League club to suspend all sponsorship ties with Russian companies.
Premier League club Everton have suspended their partnerships with Russian firms with immediate effect. As a result of their decision, their sponsorship deals with firms such as USM Holdings, Yota and MegaFon will come to an immediate halt. The decision comes as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
USM Holdings currently sponsors Everton’s training ground, Finch Farm, and MegaFon is a shirt and sleeve sponsor of the Everton women’s team. Both companies are associated with Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, who has been sanctioned by the European Union. The mobile virtual network operator, Yota, is a subsidiary of the MegaFon Group. It is reported that the rebranding of the women’s jerseys will cost the club around £500,000.
UK Labour MP Chris Bryant had previously asked Everton to end all ties with Usmanov.
Bryant, speaking at the House of Commons last week, had said:
“Alisher Usmanov has already been sanctioned by the EU but not yet by the UK. But I suspect he will be pretty soon on a UK list and Everton should certainly be cutting ties with him already.”
Usmanov himself has released a statement since, stating that the sanctions against him by the EU are unfair.
Usmanov stated:
“On 28 February 2022, I became the target of restrictive measures imposed by the European Union.
“I believe that such a decision is unfair, and the reasons employed to justify the sanctions are a set of false and defamatory allegations damaging my honour, dignity, and business reputation.
“I will use all legal means to protect my honour and reputation. I hereby suspend the exercise of my duties as the President of the International Fencing Federation effective immediately until justice is restored.”
Everton released a statement that read:
“Everyone at Everton remains shocked and saddened by the appalling events unfolding in Ukraine.
“This tragic situation must end as soon as possible, and any further loss of life must be avoided.
“The players, coaching staff and everyone working at Everton is providing full support to our player Vitalii Mykolenko and his family and will continue to do so.”
Everton become the latest Premier League club after Manchester United to suspend their partnerships with Russian sponsors. Earlier, Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea, had announced his decision to sell the club after fears of being sanctioned by the UK government.
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