Chelsea sent clear message as Todd Boehly forced into new stadium decision
Chelsea’s owners are under growing pressure to make a decision over their future stadium plans.
The matter was understood to be a key issue for Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital when they bought Chelsea in May 2022.
Chelsea’s owners are debating over whether to leave Stamford Bridge or expand their existing stadium, with Earl’s Court viewed as a possible location for a new facility.
However, Chelsea were dealt a major stadium blow after Hammersmith and Fulham Council – one of the local authorities involved in the decision-making process – green lighted an alternative plan for the site at a meeting last month.
The proposal, which has been put forward by the Earl’s Court Development Company (ECDC), is for a £10billion housing and retail project.
Chelsea owners told to ‘put up or shut up’
It has been widely known Chelsea’s Earl’s Court proposal would face opposition due to its prime location in one of London’s richest borough.
Enzo Maresca’s side have now been handed a fresh blow after a new update has emerged.
Kensington and Chelsea Council granted the ECDC planning permission at a meeting on Tuesday (16 December).
While Chelsea could still make a bid for the land, time is running out for Stamford Bridge chiefs.
The Guardian reported on Wednesday (17 December) a key figure in London politics has told the Blues to “put up or shut up” and make clear whether they are serious about Earl’s Court.
That pressure is likely to force Boehly and the rest of the Chelsea hierarchy into making a decision over their stadium plans in the near future.
Todd Boehly could leave stadium decision to next Chelsea owners
Chelsea are looking to increase their stadium capacity in a bid to boost their revenue and keep pace with some of their Premier League rivals.
There are few alternatives for the Premier League giants if a move to Earl’s Court is off the table.
Given the current state of play, an expansion of Stamford Bridge is the most likely option for Chelsea at this moment in time.
However, finance expert Stefan Borson told Football Insider Boehly could leave the stadium issue to Chelsea’s next owners if the existing hierarchy is unable to reach a definitive decision.
Stamford Bridge has a capacity of 40,173, making it the 11th-largest stadium in the Premier League.
The Blues’ latest accounts for 2023-24 revealed they generated £469million of revenue, while their matchday income stood at £80m.
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