Stefan Borson: Chelsea face ‘very complicated’ stadium decision after new blow
Chelsea’s stadium plans are currently being complicated by developments outside of the football club.
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 have been dealt a major stadium blow after Hammersmith and Fulham Council and Kensington and Chelsea Council have both now green lighted an alternative plan for the site.
The proposal, which has been put forward by the Earl’s Court Development Company (ECDC), is for a £10billion housing and retail project.
Given the current state of play, an expansion of Stamford Bridge is the most likely option for Chelsea at this moment in time.
Chelsea could be forced to agree 'expensive' stadium deal
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider it would be “expensive” for Chelsea to go and play at another stadium while Stamford Bridge is being redeveloped.
It was revealed earlier this year Twickenham is a potential option for Chelsea if they need to play elsewhere while they upgrade their existing 40,173-capacity facility.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Chelsea temporarily playing away from Stamford Bridge, Borson said: “I think it would be expensive.
“Look, they'll be charged less if these are situations where they can just move straight in and there's not a whole load of additional cost because what they can end up doing if it's a move straight in and the grounds don't need to do a lot of work, is that they can do a revenue share.
“They can make it attractive for both parties. It's another one of these situations where it's just better to wait and see what happens because there's been a lot of talk about what's going to happen and how it's going to happen.”
Wembley could also be an option for Chelsea after Tottenham previously played in north-west London while they completed their stadium development.
Chelsea face stadium issue if they leave Stamford Bridge
Borson insisted it’s a “very complicated” situation for Chelsea to resolve after it’s been ongoing for several years.
“The reality is it's a very complicated situation to sort out that stadium repair, rebuild, new stadium, whatever it is,” said Borson.
“It's a very difficult situation and there are limited options available for where they're going to play.
“There's been so many different projects and proposals that have been rumoured. I think it's one where you just wait and see.”
Stamford Bridge is currently the 11th-largest stadium in the Premier League, meaning Chelsea are missing out on potential revenue opportunities.
The Blues’ latest accounts for 2023-24 revealed they generated £469million of revenue, while their matchday income stood at £80m.
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