Chelsea planning to charge players for canteen food to cut costs - Exclusive
By Paul Smith, sundaymirror.co.uk 16/11/2008
Chelsea are considering cutting costs by charging players and staff for meals at their Cobham training ground.
Despite being owned by billionaire Roman Abramovich, the Blues laid off 15 international scouts to reduce expenditure two weeks ago.
Now Chris Alexander, their finance director, has canvassed rivals for their approach to charging staff for catering. In his e-mail Alexander reveals: "Even we're starting to look at the cost base!"
A spokesman confirmed: "Costs at the training ground are part of an ongoing review.
"We are aware that other clubs charge staff and players, but no decision has been taken yet."
A senior Chelsea player said last night: "They must be joking if they think we'll pay for a crappy sandwich and a cup of tea. Next they'll be putting meters in the players' car park or asking the NCP to run it for them."
It's understood that chief executive Peter Kenyon has requested cost reviews in all departments of the club.
And after instigating the cuts to the scouting staff, sporting director Frank Arnesen said: "A structure is now in place, even though the credit crunch has meant Roman Abramovich has hit the financial brake and asked us to cut deep.
"We have cut down significantly on scouts and other activities."
And manager Luiz Felipe Scolari recently revealed he cannot buy any players in the January transfer window, unless he raises funds by selling first. Kenyon has insisted in the past that Chelsea would target breaking-even by 2010.