Chelsea's squad could lose millions of pounds if they fail to qualify for the Champions League next season.
The Blues' disastrous league form has seen them slip to ninth in the table. Although they cannot finish fourth after being 10 points adrift with just three games to play, they could still qualify if other results go in their favour. It's a big ask, though.
In order for Chelsea to sneak a place in next season's competition, they'd need Aston Villa to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Nottingham Forest to reach the Europa League final, win it AND slip down to fifth in the Premier League.
Assuming these scenarios do not materialise, Chelsea will miss out on playing in Europe's biggest club competition next season, and for the players that would be a very costly mistake.
Chelsea players to lose millions in earnings ahead of likely Champions League exile
Unlike Spurs, who will be in dire straits should they be relegated, Chelsea's owners included wage reduction clauses into their players' contracts.
According to The Sun, the players' wages will be automatically reduced by between £30,000 and £40,000-per week — roughly £2 million-per year — if, and when, they miss out on Champions League football.
These clauses are BlueCo's way of filling some of the £100 million financial void the side not competing in the Champions League would leave.
Unfortunately, while the players may not enjoy earning less, they only have themselves to blame, and if £2 million-per year isn't enough to encourage them, what would be?
One of the few things BlueCo have got right
As mentioned previously, Spurs made the fatal mistake of failing to include the same type of clauses in their players' deals.
Sitting just one point above the relegation zone with three games to go there is a real possibility that the Lilywhites are relegated to the Championship.
Should this happen, the clubs' owners — ENIC International — will be lumbered with a massive wage bill and little revenue coming in.
Of course, Chelsea aren't facing the prospect of relegation yet, but the financial ramifications of their poor campaign are going to be huge. Learning BlueCo have already taken the necessary steps to guard against that is a relief.
Our US owners aren't known for their smart decision making — at least not in their first four years in charge — but credit where it's due. Vastly overinflated player wages is one less thing to worry about next season.
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