Chelsea Stars 'Plotting Escape Routes From Stamford Bridge After Contacting Lawyers Over Tearing Up Contracts'

Chelsea’s players are exploring possible escape routes from Stamford Bridge as the financial uncertainty surrounding the club continues, according to reports.

Chelsea’s future was thrown into doubt earlier this week when the British government sanctioned club owner Roman Abramovich in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Abramovich’s UK-based assets, including Chelsea, were frozen – meaning the club is no longer able to sell new tickets, merchandise and negotiate new contracts with players.

The sanctions have also cast doubt over whether Abramovich can sell the club as planned.

There are now concerns that Chelsea will be unable to pay their reported monthly wage bill of £28m for the remainder of the season.

The Telegraph claim players’ agents have been in contact with lawyers to assess their options if, in a worst-case-scenario, salary payments are late in the coming months.

One legal source has told the newspaper that players may have to go unpaid for two months before having ‘clear just cause’ to tear up their contracts with Chelsea.

There remains a 'sense of unity' in Thomas Tuchel's squad, according to reports (Image: PA)

However, given the circumstances of Abramovich’s sanctioning, a court may rule in favour of players if they tried to sever ties with the Premier League club at an earlier date.

The report claims there has been a ‘sense of unity’ between head coach Thomas Tuchel and his squad but ‘representatives have told lawyers they need to be aware of options if the club descends into financial paralysis’.

The future of Chelsea could be secured if Abramovich is allowed to sell the club to a new owner.

The Athletic claim the government has given the ‘green light’ for the sale of the Premier League club to resume.

Discussions have reportedly been held between the government and Raine, the US bank handling the sale of Chelsea, and the sale is now set go ahead as previously planned.

There is confidence a deal could be agreed within the next four to six weeks, with several ‘credible interested parties’.

However, there have not yet been any formal bids made.

Topics: Chelsea, Premier League, Roman Abramovich, Football

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan