Everton suspend commercial ties with Russian sponsor companies
The Blues have cut ties with USM, MegaFon and Yota
Last updated 2nd Mar 2022
Everton have suspended commercial ties with Russian companies USM, MegaFon and Yota.
The three companies have links to Uzbek-born businessman Alisher Usmanov, who is the subject of European Union sanctions related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Usmanov's company, USM Holdings, sponsors Everton's training ground whilst he also has an exclusive naming-rights option on the club's new stadium - a deal worth £30 million to the club.
Additionally, Toffees owner Farhad Moshiri is chairman at USM Holdings.
The Russian billionaire has seen his assets frozen as part of sanctions imposed by the European Union and the Uzbek-born billionaire's USM Holdings sponsors Everton's training ground, with an initial five-year deal announced in 2017.
MegaFon is among USM Holdings' businesses and Everton Women signed a multi-year principal partnership deal with the telecommunications operator in October 2020, when Yota - part of the MegaFon Group - was added to the sleeve.
Usmanov, who is a former shareholder for Arsenal, has restrictions placed on him including the "prohibition from making funds available" as well an EU travel ban.
In a statement, the Merseyside club reiterated their support for their Ukrainian defender, Vitalii Mykolenko, and his family.
The Everton statement 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.
"The club can confirm that it has suspended with immediate effect all commercial sponsorship arrangements with the Russian companies USM, Megafon and Yota."
The history of Everton:
Everton F.C was founded in 1878 and is the second-longest continuous serving club in English top flight football.
The Toffees have played at Goodison since 1892. Before playing at Goodison, Everton used to play at Anfield - where Liverpool F.C now play.
Everton have won nine First Division trophies, one Second Division trophy, five FA Cups, nine FA Charity Shields and one European Cup.
Their last major trophy was an FA Cup win in 1995 (pictured).
One of the Blues' most successful periods was in the 1980's, when they won two of their league titles, an FA Cup and in 1984/85 they won their only European Cup.
Dixie Dean is Everton's top goal scorer, scoring 383 goals in his 433 appearances. Dean played for Everton from 1924 to 1937.
Goal keeper Neville Southall has made the most appearances for The Toffees, playing for them 751 times from 1981 to 1997.
Everton have remained in top flight football for all but four of their seasons. They are third in the all time points ranking for British top-flight football.