Giant sporting brand, Nike is considering walking away from their 15-year kit deal with English side Chelsea in a split that could cost the Blues £540million, according to reports.
The London based club has been plunged into crisis after Russian owner Roman Abramovich had his assets frozen by the UK Government amid links with Vladimir Putin.
Chelsea has already seen shirt sponsors Three suspend their £120million partnership, and it is now rumored that kit manufacturers Nike could follow suit.
According to DailyMail, the two parties agreed on a 15-year, £900m deal back in 2016 – but after recent events the sporting brand is reported to be ‘considering walking away’.
If this happened, it would cost the Blues a staggering £540m.
Chelsea are already unable to receive Premier League or Champions League prize money amid Roman 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 selling merchandise.
Pat Nevin, who has a column in Chelsea’s matchday programme, revealed on BBC 5Live earlier on Thursday that the Blues have already ‘partially laid off’ members of staff.
The London club side could even be deducted nine points if they go into administration before the end of the season.