Some Chelsea players will have a 30 per cent reduction in their wages after failing to qualify for the Champions League this season, according to reports.
The Blues 2-0 loss to Real Madrid on Tuesday night saw them defeated 4-0 on aggregate in their Champions League quarter-final and facing up to the prospect of no Champions League football next season.
It was their last possible route back into the competition for next season with Chelsea currently 11th in the Premier League and 17 points adrift of fourth-placed Newcastle United.
Chelsea owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have overseen a disastrous first full season in control of the west London club with Graham Potter – who replaced Thomas Tuchel earlier this season – winning just 12 of his 31 matches in charge before being sacked.
Frank Lampard is back in charge at Stamford Bridge in a temporary role until the end of the season but the former Chelsea midfielder has lost all four of his first four matches at the helm.
And now the Daily Mail claim that Chelsea's 'failure to qualify for next season's Champions League will cost players millions in wages as the club face growing discontent within their squad'.
The Daily Mail adds:
'Following their arrival last year co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have moved to implement a bonus structure to player contracts linked to Champions League qualification that would see their wages fluctuate depending on whether they were playing in the competition.
'It was a significant change from the ownership era of Roman Abramovich, who only rewarded players for winning trophies.
'Mail Sport understands the club's most recent signings, or those who have agreed new contracts, will see their earning power slashed by at least 30 percent.
'Sources have indicated that some contracts have also been discussed which have included potential wage increases as high as 50 per cent linked to Chelsea being in the Champions League.
'It is unclear whether the variable wage scheme will be enforced immediately or if players will be given a grace period.
'The decision to enforce an incentivised salary structure was designed to motivate players – but it also provides Chelsea with a degree of protection against the financial shortfall incurred by the failure to qualify for the hugely lucrative Champions League.
'In contrast, however, those who on contracts signed during the Abramovich era will continue to be paid their full salaries.'
Chelsea now have two London derbies in a row against Brentford and Arsenal as they look to salvage some pride from their terrible season.
Rudabeoty
0
Chelsea worst squard buying shits players in huge amount
lostylosty
1
Feel sad for Lukaku.What a dumb
Jotbclprty
0
The players deserve 50% pay cut cuz 90% of them are useless
Faith4barca
1
It’s supposed to be Chelsea players will have a 30 per cent reduction in their wages for failing to qualify for Europa League🤣🤣
Poyabkrty
1
Well the owner should not slash he should give them more all these players he bought because he couldn't bear to see another club get them
Vuhbekrty
0
50 % players are useless..
Suncdeilou
2
At least 50% cos some are useless, they are like mercenaries and don't suffer for team. I used to watch some matches and realized that the coach isn't a problem but some players.
Hudacemuz
2
Should be 50