NIKE are considering walking away from their 15-year kit deal with Chelsea in a split that could cost the Blues £540million, according to reports.
The West Londoners have been plunged into crisis after owner Roman Abramovich had his assets frozen by the UK government amid links with Vladimir Putin.
Chelsea have been kitted out by Nike since 2016
Chelsea have already seen their shirt sponsors Three suspend their £120million partnership.
And according to the Mail, kit manufacturers Nike could follow suit.
The two parties agreed a 15-year, £900m deal back in 2016 – but amid recent events Nike are claimed to be ‘considering walking away’.
This would cost the Blues a staggering £540m.
Chelsea already can’t receive Premier League or Champions League prize money amid Abramovich’s sanctions.
And they can’t even sell tickets to their remaining home games.
The Blues’ megastore is currently closed for business, as they are banned from flogging merchandise.
Pat Nevin, who has a column in Chelsea’s matchday programme, revealed on BBC 5Live earlier today that the Blues have already ‘partially laid off’ members of staff.
Chelsea’s megastore is currently shut
Thomas Tuchel’s side have already sold out their next two home games against Newcastle and Brentford – but could lose up to £600k in potential earnings from ticket sales for their following three remaining games at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea could be deducted nine points if they go into administration before the end of the season.
Abramovich – who has been deemed to have been a Kremlin crony of Putin’s – has been banned from selling the club and from injecting more money into the SW6 outfit.
But the Government will consider an application for a licence to sell the club – although Abramovich won’t pocket a penny for it.
American billionaire Todd Boehly is eager to snap up the club and is waiting to hear back on an offer he and Swiss business partner Hansjorg Wyss have made.
Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government
