The Bolton Wanderers squad, who the Blues travel to face on Saturday, are refusing to train for 48 hours after the club again failed to pay wages on time, while matchday staff are reportedly threatening to strike at the weekend.
According to BBC Radio Manchester, the players have taken the action in solidarity with off-field staff with salaries - both players and staff - not having been paid as scheduled for the second successive month, February's wages having been paid late.
On March 20th, Wanderers, 23rd in the Championship, eight points ahead of the Blues, were given two weeks to settle their debts and avoid a winding-up order relating to a tax bill of £1.2 million at the High Court with the hearing adjourned until April 3rd, this Wednesday.
A takeover plan had collapsed prior to the hearing where owner Ken Anderson revealed a new prospective buyer - former Watford owner Laurence Bassini - had emerged.
Speaking last Wednesday Anderson said the deal could go through "within 48 hours" and that the new owners would pay the March salaries on Friday. However, the deal is still to be completed.
Matchday staff are also reported to be threatening to strike on Saturday if their wages aren't paid before then, potentially putting the game in doubt.
I understand matchday staff at #bwfc also threatening to withdraw services for Saturday's game (which would put safety certificate under threat) if they are not paid. Situation going from serious to something altogether worse...
— Marc Iles (@MarcIles) April 1, 2019