Everton FC

Everton suspends all Russian sponsorships

Everton have suspended all commercial deals with Russian companies.

The move affects three entities which were prominent sponsors on varying levels at Goodison Park as a result of their country’s invasion of Ukraine.

USM Holdings held naming rights to the Blues’ training ground since 2017 while mobile phone operator MegaFon became the women’s shirt sponsor in 2020.

Earlier this week, USM founder Alisher Usmanov saw his assets frozen by the European Union in their clampdown on oligarch allies of Vladimir Putin.

Frank Lampard’s side showed solidarity with their Ukraine left-back Vitalii Mykolenko before last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City at Goodison.

Everton have since confirmed that they halted commercial arrangements with several Russian firms ‘with immediate effect’ in light of the ongoing conflict.

“Everyone at Everton remains shocked and saddened by the appalling events unfolding in Ukraine,” read a club statement.

“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.

“The club can confirm that it has suspended with immediate effect all commercial sponsorship arrangements with the Russian companies USM, Megafon and Yota.”