Chelsea ‘waiting to decide whether to build a new stadium at Earl’s Court or stay at Stamford Bridge THIS SUMMER’… but angry fans tell Todd Boehly he faces Super League-style protests for moving
- Chelsea’s US ownership aims to have one of the best stadiums by 2030
- Club weighs staying at Stamford Bridge or moving to Earl’s Court
- Chelsea have been warned a move to Earl’s Court could result in protests
Chelsea are hoping to decide whether to commit to staying at Stamford Bridge or looking for a new stadium at Earl’s Court this summer, but have reportedly been warned the latter could lead to fan protests.
A complete rebuild of Stamford Bridge, a redevelopment of the stadium or a relocation to Earl’s Court are some of the three options being considered for the club’s stadium project.
sports mail revealed that Chelsea’s American ownership is considering building a stadium at Stamford Bridge that could cost up to £2bn but would involve playing at an alternative venue for four years, either at Fulham’s Craven Cottage, Twickenham or Wembley.
Owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are determined to transform the stadium into a world-class venue, which would mean retaining none of the current stands if they choose to remain at Stamford Bridge.
A 60,000-seat ground on a 40-acre site at Earls Court remains an option, having been previously considered in 2013 under former owner Roman Abramovich.
Chelsea are reportedly hoping to decide whether to stay at Stamford Bridge or move
A new stadium at Earl’s Court is among the options being considered by Chelsea owner Todd Boehly.
Chelsea owners have been warned that moving from Stamford Bridge could spark protests
According The timesChelsea’s board are hoping to decide their preference this summer, but will not commit to a decision until timeframes and costs are fully assessed.
The club have been warned that they could face major protests that helped end the European Super League project in 2021 if they decide to abandon Stamford Bridge for a new stadium at Earl’s Court.
Concerned fans have reportedly set up an anti-Earl’s Court group, who have passed questions to the Chelsea Fans’ Advisory Board.
“If you look at Earl’s Court, we could see the same fan demonstrations that brought down the European Super League.” [in 2021]’ a fan involved in the group told the Times.
Todd Boehly has to give a guarantee that Chelsea will stay at the Bridge. Of the 13 London clubs, only one has never moved house. chelsea
‘We had a ‘Save the Bridge’ campaign in the 1980s: this is Bridge Two.
England’s three remaining storied clubs are Anfield, Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge, each with their own culture. We have to stay on the Bridge.
Chelsea ownership is still “exploring options” and remains in close contact with the board of directors of Chelsea Pitch Owners, which owns the Stamford Bridge pitch.
Boehly and Clearlake Capital have made it clear that the relocation would only happen with the consent of the CPO, which means tearing down Stamford Bridge and rebuilding a stadium, as former owner Abramovich intended to do.
An anti-Earl’s Court group urged owners to ensure Chelsea will remain at Stamford Bridge
A graphic from the Mail on Sunday shows the ground the club is looking to buy.
Planning permission to expand Stamford Bridge to a capacity of 60,000 expired under Abramovich’s club leadership.
Chelsea are expected to find out this month if they have acquired a 1.2-acre site next to the stadium for £50m.
If the club were to obtain land owned by Stoll, a housing association that provides housing for military veterans, it would give their hopes of rebuilding on the current site a big boost.
Stamford Bridge is significantly smaller than the rest of the ‘Big Six’ in the Premier League, and the club are eager to develop a new ground to bring them on a level with their main rivals.