Everton suspends commercial ties with Russian companies

Premier League side Everton have suspended commercial agreements with three Russian companies, all owned by Alisher Usmanov.

The Russian billionaire has had his assets frozen by the EU as part of sanctions against Russian citizens following the country's invasion of Ukraine.

He has been a longtime business partner of Everton's owner Farhad Moshiri, and his company USM Holdings sponsors the club's training ground.

A statement from the club 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."