Nike ‘considering walking away’ from 15-year Chelsea kit deal which could cost the club £540million

Sporting brand, Nike are considering walking away from their 15-year kit deal with Chelsea in a split that could cost the Blues £540million, according to reports.

The Blues have been plunged into crisis after owner Roman Abramovich had his assets frozen by the UK Government amid links with Vladimir Putin.

Chelsea have already seen shirt sponsors Three suspend their £120million partnership, and now 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 Nike are claimed to be ‘considering walking away’.

This would cost the Blues a staggering £540m.

Chelsea are already unable to receive Premier League or Champions League prize money amid 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 flogging 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.

Chelsea could even be deducted nine points if they go into administration before the end of the season.