Abramovich angers Chelsea players by scrapping their bonuses

LONDON - Chelsea’s owner Roman Abramovich has angered his players by scrapping and slashing the squad’s bonuses ahead of the start of the new season today.

“The players are furious and there is a huge row going on behind the scenes. They’re champions and are rewarded with a pay cut - it’s hardly a great way to motivate them,” a Chelsea insider said.

“It was a big shock and they’re not happy. Now they’re going into the season under a cloud,” The Sun quoted the insider, as saying.

Chelsea players, who face West Brom in Premier League opener on Saturday, were communicated the news at a meeting with director Eugene Tenebaum and chief executive Ron Gourlay.

They were told that Abramovich has done away with all appearance bonuses and cash tied to performances and results.

The only bonuses that team will get will be for winning the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup or Carling Cup.

“They thought it was it was just a normal pre-season meeting. But instead they were told it was all change and most of the bonuses they’d enjoyed had been scrapped or reduced,” a source said. (ANI)