Everton suspend sponsorship from Russian companies owned by Alisher Usmanov

Everton have suspended their sponsorship deals with three Russian companies owned by Alisher Usmanov.

USM, Megafon and Yota have all played a key role in Everton’s increased sponsorship revenue, with USM paying £12million-a-year to sponsor the club’s training ground.

In 2020, Everton also announced that USM have a £30m deal for future naming-rights options on the club’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

Megafon, meanwhile, is the sponsor on the front of the shirts for the women’s team.

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Earlier this week, Usmanov had his assets frozen by the European Union as part of their sanctions against Russia following their invasion of Ukraine.

Usmanov branded the EU sanctions ‘unfair’ and said: ‘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.’ 

But Everton have now cut ties with Usmanov’s companies.

A statement from Everton 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.

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‘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