The futures of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka at Shanghai Shenhua could hinge on a boardroom battle that is threatening to boil over.
A report in China Daily claims that chairman Zhu Jun, who retains a 28.5 percent stake in the club, is prepared to continue backing the side, providing his demands for greater authority are met.
Zhu assumed control of Shenhua in 2007, and is one of six shareholders at the Hongkou Football Stadium, along with five state-owned enterprises.