A number of Chelsea players have reportedly discussed exit strategies with lawyers, including the potential cancelling of contracts, as the impact of Roman Abramovich's sanctions continue to be felt.
The Russian oligarch was sanctioned on Thursday by the UK government and had his assets frozen due to what they said was a "decades" long relationship with Vladimir Putin, the man currently leading the invasion of Ukraine.
Abramovich has always denied these allegations but was officially sanctioned this week, stopping Chelsea from selling tickets and negotiating contracts and potential transfers.
It could also have a huge impact on the billionaire's attempts to sell the club, a decision he announced two weeks ago now, although many potential bidders remain confident a deal can still be struck.
After Chelsea beat Norwich 3-1 at Carrow Road on Thursday night, Thomas Tuchel spoke of how impressed he had been with the response of his players in such circumstances.
"It would be a lie if I said I had no doubts but I also had a lot of trust," Tuchel told Radio 5 Live after the game.
"In difficult circumstances, we produced a lot of results and good performances so we can trust in our mentality and the culture in the club. We allowed ourselves to focus on the football."
But that does not mean players are not concerned, and as per a report in The Telegraph, a number of players have contacted lawyers for advice of what to do if they go unpaid at any point.
It is a scenario not beyond the realms of possibility with the club currently spending £28 million on salaries each month. If a takeover stalls, players may start to act on that advice including the potential cancellations of contracts as a last resort.
The report claims that players may have to go two months without payment in order to have "just cause" to cancel their deal, however.
Lawyers have reportedly warned players to be aware of all options should the club be unable to pay their full salaries.
