Chelsea to lose their logo

Chelsea have decided to remove the logo of their sponsors Emirates airlines from their shirts when they play in Israel later this month in response to the security in the region.

Chelsea have been drawn to play away to Hapoel Tel Aviv in the first leg of their UEFA Cup second round tie on 18 October.

The club have decided not to ask UEFA to change the game to a one-off tie at a neutral venue due to continuing tensions in the Middle East.

However, they have decided to black out the name of their Dubai-based sponsors for the game in Israel.

Chelsea managing director-Colin Hutchinson said: "We will not be wearing the Emirates branding in Tel Aviv. We feel that it could be insensitive so we have, as a club, decided to take the 'Fly Emirates' logo off the players' shirts.

"We have had no pressure from UEFA but they have given their clearance for us to do this. Emirates have said they would go along with whatever we decided.