UEFA considering new rules on sponsorship

UEFA will consider introducing strict new rules on club sponsors to avoid possible conflicts of interest once they have completed an investigation into any connections between Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and their Champions League opponents CSKA Moscow.

Abramovich is the major shareholder of Russian oil giants Sibneft who earlier this year agreed a £30m three-year shirt sponsorship deal with CSKA.

Officials from UEFA are to investigate to ensure Abramovich does not have “a controlling interest” in the Russian club but leaders of European football acknowledge the case raises questions about the whole issue of influence at different clubs.