Russian energy giant Gazprom and reigning European club champions Chelsea have signed a three-year sponsorship deal.

      Accortding to the contract, the state-controlled company will be supplying electricity and gas to Roman Abramovich’s football club and participating in the club's different events and activities.

      Neither side disclosed the value of the deal, which comes just over a week after Gazprom became an official UEFA Champions League sponsor through 2015. The club's chief executive Ron Gourlay said that deal was a demonstration of the ever-growing appeal of Chelsea FC. He is sure the club's huge fan base will help Gazprom reach their key markets in Europe and Asia.

      This contract is just another part of the Gazprom's big company for its football expansion. Besides from the aforemantioned involvement into the Champion League, they currently own the Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg and support the German side Schalke 04. The company is also a main sponsor of the Russia's Football Union.

Image: zavtra.ru