The manufacturers are the latest sponsor to pull out of their deal with the Champions League champions.
Hyundai's sponsorship arrangement with Chelsea has been canceled. Getty Images / Charlotte Wilson / Offside
Car behemoths Following the sanctioning of club owner Roman Abramovich, Hyundai has ordered Premier League heavyweights Chelsea to remove their logo off their Stamford Bridge home and team shirt sleeves.
The company, which signed a five-year deal with the Champions League holders in 2018, acted in response to the sanctions imposed on Russian businessman Roman Abramovich on Thursday, when the UK government claimed the move was prompted by the billionaire's alleged ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Chelsea's sanctions include a prohibition on selling matchday tickets and merchandise, making transfers, and committing players to new contracts until at least May, when the decision will be reviewed.
The club has requested that the temporary license it is operating under be reviewed, citing concerns that it will not be able to finish the season.
Before his assets were frozen following the start of the invasion of Ukraine, Abramovich had put the club up for sale.
If suitable buyers can be identified, the UK government is thought to be eager to support a sale under special dispensation.
The agreement with the Korean manufacturers is the latest lucrative collaboration Chelsea has lost in recent days, following the decision by fellow sleeve sponsors Three to abandon their association with the Champions League holders.
Hyundai said in a statement: "In light of the current situation, we've decided to put our marketing and communication efforts with the club on hold until further notice.
"In view of the government's recently announced fines, we have requested that Chelsea Football Club temporarily stop our sponsorship of the club, including the removal of our logo from shirts and around the stadium until further notice," says the statement."
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel and England midfielder Mason Mount have both stated that the group has been affected by the unexpected uncertainty.
The English Premier League's third-placed club beat relegation-threatened Norwich 3-1 on Wednesday and will visit Newcastle in the league on Sunday.
Since taking ownership in 2003, Abramovich has converted Chelsea into a perennial trophy winner, and he has always maintained that he has done nothing to deserve punishment.
Jamie Reuben, a businessman and socialite whose family owns an interest in Newcastle, is one of the names linked with acquiring Chelsea.
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