Southampton players could terminate their contracts and walk away from the club without any transfer fee in the wake of the Spygate scandal, according to reports.
The Saints squad is said to be furious with manager Tonda Eckert and his coaching staff following the revelations.
The Athletic reports that some players may invoke clause 11.1 in the standard professional contract, which permits termination if a club "shall be guilty of serious or persistent breach of the terms and conditions of this contract."
Several squad members are reportedly so incensed that they are contemplating legal action against the club's hierarchy for loss of earnings after being denied a shot at Premier League promotion.
Several Southampton players are said to be pondering whether to terminate their contracts after they were kicked out of the Championship play-off final
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The EFL's decision to expel Southampton from the play-off final sent shockwaves through English football earlier this week.
Saints had secured their place at Wembley by defeating Middlesbrough in the semi-finals and were set to face Hull City in Saturday's showpiece event.
However, the club admitted to conducting surveillance on three Championship rivals, prompting the league to take unprecedented action.
Middlesbrough have now been reinstated and will contest the final in Southampton's place.
The EFL's League Arbitration Panel upheld the sanctions following an appeal, which also included a four-point deduction for the south coast club.
The Saints club's chief executive described their punishment as 'the largest penalty ever imposed on an English football club' | GETTYThe prospect of players departing for nothing stems from contractual provisions that protect footballers when their employers engage in misconduct.
Clause 11.1 of the standard English professional contract specifically addresses situations where clubs commit serious breaches of their obligations.
With Southampton having acknowledged spying on opponents, players may argue the club has violated the terms of their agreements.
The full consequences of the scandal are yet to materialise, with the dust still settling on one of the most dramatic episodes in recent Championship history.
Those who had anticipated Premier League wages and bonuses next season now face an uncertain future at a club mired in controversy.
Commercial partners may also seek to distance themselves from Southampton following the cheating admission, with sponsors potentially reluctant to maintain their association with the disgraced club.
Southampton's 'spygate' scandal has gripped the Championship | GETTYThe fallout extends beyond St Mary's, with other Championship sides exploring their own legal avenues.
Hull City, who will now face Middlesbrough rather than Southampton at Wembley, are understood to be examining their options.
Millwall and Wrexham, both of whom missed out on the play-offs entirely, have also reportedly sought legal advice after the scandal came to light.
The club issued a statement thanking supporters for their "patience and loyalty" during "an incredibly difficult period."