Chelsea players are reportedly exploring their exit routes after the club's owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government.
The oligarch's UK assets were frozen for allegedly having ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin, who ordered his troops to invade neighbouring Ukraine last month.
Abramovich has always denied having links to Putin's regime.
Chelsea are now operating under a special license - severely limiting their revenue streams - and shirt sponsors Three have suspended their partnership.
Barclays have also suspended the club's bank account and there's a possibility the Blues could face financial armageddon between now and the summer.
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According to The Telegraph, players are exploring potential escape routes and have instructed their agents to discuss their options with top-notch lawyers.
Chelsea are thought to be spending £28million each month on salaries and their cash reserves are only £17m - based on the company's last set of accounts.
It's believed players would have to go unpaid for two months to have "clear just cause" to terminate their contacts, giving a 15-day notice period.
That could theoretically happen, although it's unclear how much cash Chelsea actually have and whether they can renegotiate their special license.
A judge could also rule in favour of a player if they choose to quit the Blues, given the circumstances surrounding Abramovich's unprecedented situation.
Chelsea can't sign or sell players, or extend existing deals. Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and captain Cesar Azpilicueta are all out of contract in June.
Furthermore, there is a genuine fear that Chelsea will not be able to complete the season under the government's current allowance.
Chelsea can spend around £500,000 on hosting games at Stamford Bridge, but it's believed they usually spend around £1m. Their away allowance is just £20,000.
And securing a bank loan appears slim at this stage, considering Barclays have suspended their account.
Although Three have suspended their £40m-a-year deal, Chelsea's kit manufacturer Nike are yet to pull the plug on their £60m-a-year agreement.
There is said to be a growing belief within the club that Nike will stand by them. Fellow sponsor Trivago have already announced they will maintain their £10m-a-year deal.
Speaking after the 3-1 win against Norwich on Thursday evening, manager Thomas Tuchel praised his players for carrying on in difficult circumstances.
"Of course, there was a lot of distraction, another level of distraction with the sanctions and we could feel it," said the German coach.
"The players talked about it, they are aware of it and we accepted it, but the rhythm, excitement and love for the game helped us.
"We demanded it to work hard, to sweat it out and work together. It is the best thing to get the focus back and to enjoy what we are doing.
"Full credit, I think the team shows very good character and we can be proud that they produce performances like this under the circumstances.
"It tells us we are right to trust them, that the attitude is right, the culture at the club is right and we keep on going."
