The billionaire Russian has infuriated his Double winners by
scrapping and slashing the squad's bonuses.
A Chelsea insider said: "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.
"It was a big shock and they're not happy. Now they're going
into the season under a cloud."
Stunned Blues players - who face West Brom in today's Premier
League opener - were given the news at a meeting with director
Eugene Tenebaum and chief executive Ron Gourlay.
They were told Rom has done away with all appearance bonuses and
cash tied to performances and results.
The only bonuses this term will be for WINNING
the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup or Carling Cup. And
they will get nowhere near previous season's figures.
Our insider added: "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."