Everton has stopped doing business with Alisher Usmanov’s companies

Everton has stopped doing business with Alisher Usmanov’s company following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Uzbekistan-born billionaire is the founder of private Russian holding company USM and his assets were frozen as part of sanctions imposed by the European Union in response to Russia’s ongoing attack.

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri is chairman of USM Holdings, which has sponsored Everton’s training ground since signing an initial five-year deal in 2017. There is also an option for the naming rights to the Toffees’ new stadium – a worthwhile deal worth £30 million to the club.

MegaFon is one of USM’s companies, and Everton Women signed a multi-year main partnership agreement with the telecom operator in October 2020, when Yota – part of the MegaFon group – joined.

The branding is to be removed from Goodison Park and Finch Farm training base after the Premier League club confirmed the immediate suspension of agreements with the three companies.

An Everton statement said: “Everyone at Everton remains shocked and saddened by the appalling events unfolding in Ukraine.

“This tragic situation must end as quickly as possible and any further loss of life must be avoided.

“The players, coaching staff and all staff at Everton fully support our player Vitalii Mykolenko and his family and will continue to do so.

“The club can confirm that it has suspended all commercial sponsorship agreements with Russian companies USM, Megafon and Yota with immediate effect.”

Ukrainian international Mykolenko moved to Everton from Dynamo Kiev in January.

The 22-year-old full-back on Tuesday criticized Russian captain Artem Dzyuba and his international teammates for their silence on the invasion of Ukraine.

In a post on Instagram in his native language, Mykolenko said: “While you remain silent along with your shitty football teammates, peaceful civilians are being killed in Ukraine.”

“You will be locked in your dungeon for the rest of your life and especially the lives of your children. And I am happy.”

Mykolenko’s post came the day after FIFA and UEFA banned Russia from all competitions.